Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Darren Aronofsky - Will This Director Finally Be Invited to Join the Club?

Like David Fincher, Darren Aronofsky is wildly popular, and has quiet the cult following.Yet when it comes to the Academy Awards, he hasn't had a chance to "join the club." Aronofsky hasn't been nominated for a single Oscar in any category, specifically directing. Nor has any of his films been recognized (or mainstream enough) to garner an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

Aronofsky's limited but known filmography includes:
  • The Fountain
  • Requiem for a Dream (1 Oscar nod, best actress Ellen Burstyn)
  • Pi

And of all three films, only one Oscar nod. Yet don't underestimate the popularity that each of these films has within certain circles.

Will Darren Aronofsky be invited to join the club in 2008 with The Wrestler?

After Fox Searchlight picked up distribution of The Wrestler after the Toronto International Film Festival, this film, and Darren Aronofsky suddenly had a chance that none might have expected. I believe that Mickey Rourke has an exceptional chance at a Best Actor nod for this film. I think Marisa Tomei has a great chance at a supporting actress nod as well.

Yet, it's hard for a film to sneak into the best picture race unless it's capable of picking up at a handful of nods and support from a variety of academy branches. So unless this has the allure of Juno or Little Miss Sunshine, it would certainly seem like a long shot for the best picture race. And without a best picture nod, a director sneaking in without his film is even trickier.

I must, admit, this probably isn't the year Aronofsky gets invited to join the club, but I expect this film to certainly have its fans.

Other potential "finally" invited directors:
-
Edward Zwick
- David Fincher

4 comments:

Barry said...

Darren Aronofsky deserved every award out there for Requiem for a Dream.

RJ said...

I wouldn't say Edward Zwick was overdue . . .

But that's just personal opinion

Michael Parsons said...

Barry, I totally agree. I think he will get a nod. Seeing as how I just predicted him on my blog...he has too!

elgringo said...

The Wrestler is my most anticipated film of the year. I must see this movie. If it's half as good as I hope, a nomination will be his easily.