Tom O’Neil finds two people out there who actually think someone else could win the DGA tomorrow night:
Well, Gold Derby decided to pursue the point anyway and pooled predix from lots of pundits, who back Boyle by a landslide, that’s true. But I found a few brave (crazy?) souls who dare to stray. They include Bob Tourtellotte (Reuters), Kevin Lewin (World Entertainment News Network) and, well, me. All of us believe Fincher will take this. I even think Christopher Nolan (who’s not nominated at the Oscars) has a shot. After all, there were a few notable cases of previous Oscar snubees actually claiming the DGA trophy: Ron Howard (“Apollo 13″) and Steven Spielberg (“The Color Purple”).
I never said that a director not nominated for an Oscar could win the DGA – that has happened. But it has never happened that a director whose film wasn’t nominated for Best Picture actually wins the DGA. Here’s the other “problem” with Boyle versus the other guys. No one can compete, or has even really tried competing, with Danny Boyle’s charm on camera. He is unpretentious, funny, likable and shows up all the time. The only other director who comes close to him in this regard is Ron Howard. I love Mr. Fincher and Mr. Van Sant but they aren’t exactly the most affable guys on the block. Much of the Slumdog phenom, by the way, in case you all haven’t noticed, is how surprised and happy they all look when they win. Did you happen to catch the look on Danny Boyle’s face when Slumdog won the SAG? He put his head in his hands, shook his head in shock and amazement. That kind of stuff makes voters feel good about what they’re doing. Just a notion but one that is, I think, semi-worth pursuing as an actual thought.
15 Responses for "Slight Correction"
Very well said.
It would just be nice to see Christopher Nolan come out with an award of some kind.
I totally agree with you Sasha. The genuine shock and excitment of the Slumdog team is playing a BIG role in their success. People want to reward others who deserve it and to those who will genuinley appreciate it. I loved No Country For Old Men, but The Coen brothers looked like they had to be dragged out of their homes to attend every award show last year. Whether they appreciated it or not is one thing, but they never LOOKED excited about it. Danny Boyle ALWAYS looks suprised and pleased and happy and not just for himself but whenever the film is honoured. The SAG awards is prime example of that. It’s hard not to want to reward this team of people who are so happy to be receiving the attention. They never thought they’d get it and they’re enjoying it now. They’re not jaded by the industry now and their innocence is really going to take them a ong way.
we could live in a world of fairy tales, or in the real world. Truth is that Slumdog seems unstoppable now, but it’s also true that Boyle vs. Fincher is a no contest anywhere. Even thought that Boyle has the best film in his resume (Trainspotting), truth is that since then, everything he has made isn’t unanimously hailed as great, including Millions and 28 Days Later. On the other hand, Fincher has made a consistent work, including 3 absolutely essential films: Se7en, Fight Club and Zodiac.
I’m still thinking – as I said on the other post – that Boyle is winning, that the DGA is going to drink his milkshake too. But this, and Oscar Best Director are the two most “shaky” awards Slumdog is facing – out of the big ones.
I’m going to say in a “No guts, no glory” that Dave wins, even thought I think Danny will.
One thing about winning: At most awards shows, the “actors” are so serious! They get to the stage and they start speaking “articulately” and eloquently, and it’s boring as heck. The Slumdog crew genuinely look and seemed surprised when they win, and they are happy happy happy.
Do you remember the The Mafia guys won for Hustle & Flow song? They jumped and hooped up and down, it was the most joyous part of the show….never has it come close to that again. It would be great to have Slumdog take it all at every remaining show.
Note to Mickey Rourke: If you win, cry.
“It would just be nice to see Christopher Nolan come out with an award of some kind.”
My thoughts exactly. Except we know that it is not happening. TDK has been placing #2,3,4 or 5 all along and that’s why it didn’t get into the top races.
Since when are awards about the acceptance speeches? That seriously annoys me to no end. It should be about the achievements, not the performances on Oscar night or any other awards show. If that were the case, Heath Ledger should have no shot at winning. Kate Winslet has been quoted to say that she’s always so nervous and not very good at making speeches. Does that mean she doesn’t deserve the Oscar?
I know I’m really speaking to the wrong crowd and seeing people’s reactions are what we live for when we watch the Oscars, etc. It’s just something that comes up every year that I just don’t get. Awards should be about the achievement; the reactions are the cherry on top and shouldn’t be what people base their vote on (see: Meryl’s standing ovation at the SAG Awards… of course they stood up, she’s frickin’ Meryl Streep).
I’d love Nolan to win this one. Wouldn’t that be a nice slap-in-the-face? I’m personally rooting for Gus Van Sant this time around. What a beautifully crafted film he’s made. And I’d love to see his film upset at the Oscars. Either that or The Reader.
~Steven
what they are so shocked about is the fact that their mediocre movie has been sweeping awards season…
I think you’re right about the happiness factor. When I watch and they get announced as winners, I’m mad until they get up on stage looking all joyous and then I’m like “Oh fine. They seem like nice people.” lol
I’d be quite beside myself if Nolan won. I love that movie so much and it’s all his doing. I mean yes everyone focuses on Heath’s performance but the man had to pick Heath in the first place to give the performance. And I was on all the websites with all the superhero fans discussing who should play Joker and I read almost every other actor suggested except Heath. So he’s responsible for all the awesomeness that is TDK, including Heath, and I’d really love for him to get a major award.
Well, they should have been shocked to win the SAG because they really didn’t deserve it. The little kids, maybe…
haha robin i think you nailed it.
Well said, Sasha (as always)
Just for fun, I’m taking the “ng ng” route and predicting Nolan. (although, at the risk of sounding like a real wimp, I’ll be happy with Nolan, Boyle or Van Sant… all very deserving.)
The best thing about a victory for anyone other than Danny Boyle would be the absolute chaos that would bring to final Oscar predictions. It would at least shake things up a little (not that I think it’s going to happen…)
Slumdog wins the scripter- Go dog!!!
Robin – “what they are so shocked about is the fact that their mediocre movie has been sweeping awards season…”. Amen. You cant help but feel that the entire cast & crew must have a nagging feeling that is their film really that good.
But yes Sasha, you are just right about Boyle, he is the big star of Slumdog, always happy, always smiling, everyone wants to have him at their show and he refuses no one. You feel like cheering for the Slumdog guys inspite of yourself. Honestly even I was clapping & smiling and cheering when they won the Golden Globe & SAG.
I imagine that dissenters such as Tom O’Neil figure it’s worth the risk to take an opposing view. When it comes to predicting award outcomes, big surprises inevitably occur. For some, the temptation to go out on a limb — and maybe end up being right — outweighs the risk. Entertainment journalists often thrive on bragging rights.
Steven, I agree that awards should be about achievements. However, they quite frequently are not, and things aren’t about to change. That said, I find it exhilarating to see an actor such as Anil Kapoor accept the SAG award for the Slumdog ensemble. There’s something about his obvious heartfelt humility — so different from the character he played in the film — that gives me great pleasure to watch.
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