Oscar Nods for 2007

After perusing the nominees, there weren’t too many surprises in there. Maybe Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) was a bit of a shock. Still, I am happy with most of the nods like Leo DiCaprio, Forrest Whitaker, Helen Mirren, Scorsese, Pan’s Labyrinth etc. I’m sorta glad Dreamgirls got shut out of the Best Picture category. We don’t need another Chicago-type win. I wonder if it’s Marty’s year yet. But it’s not up to me, so who knows. My favorite movie of last year after The Departed was not even nominated for anything (The Fountain with Hugh Jackman & Rachel Weisz).

Most of the nominated films were shot on 35mm or at the very least 16mm. So even though camcorders compare in price to be the best deal, film still wins out. Borat was the only fictional movie shot on DV that received a nomination. And that was only for screenwriting! DV remains prevalent with the documentary category, but it’s not always the dominant format. An Inconvenient Truth used film, DV, and archive footage.

So for those Oscar hopefuls armed only with a panasonic gs200 digital camcorder, perhaps you should get involved in the documentary or short film community. Then, at least you would be on level playing ground. Camcorders are great devices because they can be used by almost anyone. An Oscar is the highest achievement in film that one can attain (besides financial success that is). It’s a unique gift and skill that the award is (supposed to be) recognizing.

I think we are a long way off from rewarding a movie shot on DV with a best picture nomination. The film community is just not ready for such a revolution of thinking. I believe most Oscar voters recognize that DV has it’s place in certain genres. But that’s about it.

Related posts:

1. Kodak: A film standard
2. Oscar Favorites for 2008
3. Disturbing ‘Zoo’
4. Airports : Ordinary people at their worst
5. BAFTAs 2008