Sunday, October 12, 2008

Edward Zwick - Will This Director Finally Be Invited to Join the Club?

Edward Zwick is one of a handful of directors who hasn't had a chance to "join the club" with a personal director nomination, or a best picture nod for one of his films...yet, who's previous films make the short list of many fans.

Edward Zwick, has received an Oscar as one of the producers of Shakespeare in Love and a nomination for Traffic, but has not received a nod as a director, nor has any of the films he's directed received best picture nods.

Previous fan favorites Zwick has directed include:
  • The Blood Diamond (nominated for 5 Oscars, but not for pic or director)
  • The Last Samurai (nominated for 4 Oscars, but not for pic or director)
  • The Seige
  • Courage Under Fire
  • Legends of the Fall (nominated for 3 Oscars, 1 win, but nothing for pic or director)
  • Glory (won 3 of it's 5 nods, but no nod for picture or director)

Will Edward Zwick be invited to join the club in 2008 with Defiance?

One thing is for certain, based on Zwick's track record, the film Defiance should not be underestimated as a potential nominee for it's actors and tecnical crew. It would seem reasonable with Zwick's track record to see Defiance pick up some nods, potentially for Daniel Craig's lead role, or for the supporting roles by Liev Shrieber or Jamie Bell.

But Zwick's films for whatever reason never are strong enough in the eyes of the Academy to make the final five, nor has Zwick ever received a nod for directing.

Does Zwick have a chance this year?

At this point, there's not a lot of buzz for his success, but with the lack of technical period films, I think Defiance could sweep in. Plus, Zwick's done war before, but never WWII.

Other potential "finally" invite:
-
David Fincher
- Darren Aronofsky

3 comments:

Michael Parsons said...

TO be honest I think Liev may be one of the films only big nominees. However Zwick may prove me wrong by delivering a truely involving movie.

maryt/theteach said...

RC, thanks for visiting my blog(s). Sorry I haven't been around in a while. Been very busy... Zwick certainly should win an Oscar! :)

Unknown said...

Go to www.jewishpartisans.org/defiance for free educator materials about the Bielskis as well as a guide on Ethics and Defiance. There are also profiles and short films about former Bielski partisans.