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Oscar-Nom Films Still Slumping; Here's Why

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 16, 2009 8:12 PM CST
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(Newser) – Is the so-called "Oscar bump" fading? Academy favorites like Slumdog Millionaire and Frost/Nixon are stalled at the box office this year; only The Reader has filled more seats since being nominated. Yes, a stream of bona fide Hollywood hits has held them back, but it's more than that, Patrick Goldstein writes in the Los Angeles Times. No one cares about the gold statuettes anymore. "The Oscars have become a hollow brass ring."

Movie lovers can't stand the "serious, adult-oriented films all being released at the same time of the year," writes Goldstein. While recession-era film fans pine for escapism, movie makers are pining for gold. They ought to remember the 1970s, when great directors "were dying to tell great stories. I'm sure they were just as eager to win an Oscar as anyone, but it wasn't the initial spark that fueled their ambition."

Ron Howard poses with the award for feature film nomination for Frost/Nixon backstage at the Directors Guild of America Awards.
Ron Howard poses with the award for feature film nomination for "Frost/Nixon" backstage at the Directors Guild of America Awards.   (AP Photo)
Frank Langella portrays Richard Nixon, left, and Michael Sheen portrays David Frost in a scene from the film Frost/Nixon.
Frank Langella portrays Richard Nixon, left, and Michael Sheen portrays David Frost in a scene from the film "Frost/Nixon."   (AP Photo)
A scene from the movie 'The Reader.'
A scene from the movie 'The Reader.'   (AP Photo)
Regis Philbin plays a round of the game with guest Anil Kapoor during an appearance.
Regis Philbin plays a round of the game with guest Anil Kapoor during an appearance.   (AP Photo)
The cast and crew of the Golden Globe-winning film Slumdog Millionaire.
The cast and crew of the Golden Globe-winning film Slumdog Millionaire.   (AP Photo)
Brad Pitt is shown in a scene from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Brad Pitt is shown in a scene from "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."   (AP Photo)
Sean Penn portrays gay rights activist Harvey Milk in a scene from Milk.
Sean Penn portrays gay rights activist Harvey Milk in a scene from "Milk."   (AP Photo)
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Hollywood needs to take a long look at its obsession with Oscardom, since it seems increasingly clear that the awards no longer deliver the guaranteed marketing bounce that smaller films need to find an audience.
- Patrick Goldstein

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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Guest
Feb 17, 2009 2:17 AM CST
Boring. Not sure I've seen ONE Oscar movie. Maybe Wall-E.
drlarrymitchell
Feb 17, 2009 12:41 AM CST
I agree with the timing issue. They hold the serious flicks until the last minute, hoping that the thick-headed Oscar Academy will remember them when it's time to fill out their cards. The overt jockeying for position makes it hard to take any of this seriously.

This week's box office winner? 'Friday the 13th'
AFP

A statistician predicts where Oscar gold will strike...
New York

...as does Stephen Colbert
Colbert Nation

 
Academy Awards • box office • The Reader • The Curious Case of Benjamin Button • Slumdog Millionaire • Harvey Milk • Frost/Nixon • Oscars • prestige movies • escapist

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