As Oscar time get nearer, I get the feeling that the Academy doesn't really want to give Titanic an award in any of the major categories. Given Camoron's supposed unpopularity in the Hollywood community, and a backlash against the film in the media, it's beginning to look as though the director, actor, and best picture awards may go to other films. Although it really doesn't matter that much to me, it would be a shame for best picture and director awards to go elsewhere simply due to politics. Does anyone else have this sinking suspicion that we may be in for some suprises on Oscar night?

-- Bobby (bfugitt@muw.edu), March 04, 1998

Answers

Bobby, if Titanic wins any of the major awards, ***that*** would be a surprise. We've explored this in earlier threads, but I'll reiterate: there is a subtle but palpable bias in Hollywood against films and directors that are ***too*** financially successful. After all, if the "great unwashed" take to a film in large numbers, it cannot have any serious "artistic" merit.

Steven Spielberg is a case in point. E.T. ***should*** have won the best picture Oscar, and Spielberg best director, in 1982; it had a wonderful story, fine acting--and was tremendously successful at the box office. The Oscar that year went to another film (don't even remember the title). Spielberg didn't win a best picture (and director) until Schindler's List many years later.

Yes, Cameron is not well liked in the industry; yes, certain segments in the media are bad-mouthing it; but if the film fails to garner any major awards, it will be more because of jealousy of the film's huge box office than from any "artistic" considerations.

My humble $.02

-- Kip Henry (kip-henry@ouhsc.edu), March 04, 1998.

Here's an excerpt from an article I just read by Gene Siskel in the Chicago Tribune that may be of some interest. It's causing me to rethink my previous expectations of Titanic's chances on Oscar Night:

I don't see any icebergs threatening most of "Titanic's" flotilla of 14 Oscar nominations. Indeed, March 23 will be a night to remember for James Cameron, who will win two awards, for directing and for producing the Best Picture winner. OK, Kate Winslet will not win as Best Actress; in my opinion, her characterization was too bland to deserve even a nomination. My eyes went to her costar, Leonardo DiCaprio, in their every scene together. That DiCaprio wasn't nominated as Best Actor is one of the great oversights in Academy Award history. And there have been many.

-- Dan Dalton (DDalton2@prodigy.net), March 07, 1998.

Listen to me! Titanic WILL win for best picture and director because it deserves to. It was the best picture of the year, James Cameron created a masterpiece of a film. Please....have faith.

Titanic is too big to ignore.

Linda

-- Linda (Ashokan4@yahoo.com), March 08, 1998.

FYI, it was "Gandhi" that "E.T." lost to. I don't think E.T. has lost its place in the cinematic history because of it. I'll be disappointed if Titanic doesn't get best picture/director, but remember that the box office speaks at least as loud as awards. In that respect, Titanic has already won. I feel Kate deserves best actress, but Helen Hunt beat her at the SAG and Judi Dynch beat her at the Golden Globe, so I'm not counting on it. It sure would be great if Titanic could at least tie Ben Hur for the record of 11 wins.

-- Bob Gregorio (rgregori@none.com), March 15, 1998.