Renowned director Steven Spielberg is no stranger to Oscar nods for Best Director and Best Picture. During a discussion with Deadline, Steven Spielberg lauded the success of rival blockbusters, touching upon the slow revival of cinema in the aftermath of the pandemic. But there’s one film he believes deserved more credit.
While hopeful for the recognition of these films, he also commends the acknowledgment of high-budget productions such as Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water, highlighting their significant impact on the filmmaking industry. Furthermore, he emphasizes the long-overdue recognition of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight.
Steven Spielberg Believes The Dark Knight Deserved Best Picture Nomination
The Dark Knight secured nominations in various categories, including Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects, with Heath Ledger posthumously honored with the Best Supporting Actor award for his exceptional portrayal of the Joker.
Surprisingly, neither Christopher Nolan nor the film itself received recognition from The Academy. Nolan’s inaugural Best Picture nomination arrived in 2011 for the sci-fi thriller Inception, followed by a Best Director nomination seven years later for the historical drama Dunkirk.
Spielberg told Deadline:
“That movie would have definitely garnered a best picture nomination today…”
Despite its recognition in the esteemed and highly selective National Film Registry at the Library of Congress, blockbuster films in the genre have encountered challenges in gaining acknowledgment during awards season, as highlighted by Steven Spielberg.
He suggested that 2022’s nominees indicate a potential shift in The Academy’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the inclusion of notable blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water in the top 10 list.
Steven Spielberg Almost Lost His Iconic Film to Martin Scorsese
In an interview with Deadline, Martin Scorsese discussed his upcoming movie, Killers of the Flower Moon, scheduled for release this month. Amid the conversation, The Aviator director was questioned about his involvement with the renowned film Schindler’s List, helmed by Steven Spielberg, which secured seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Scorsese was previously linked to the project as its director.
During the interview, expressed his genuine enthusiasm for the film, emphasizing his dedication to preserving the authenticity of the narrative. He enlisted the talents of Steven Zaillian to collaborate on the script, with Zaillian subsequently earning the prestigious Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for the project.
Recounting their history, Scorsese recalled that Spielberg had envisioned the project since their encounter at Cannes in 1975. When the opportunity arose for Scorsese to lead the film, he was thrilled.
Nevertheless, Scorsese eventually 2 that it wouldn’t be suitable for him, as a devout Catholic, to undertake the task of narrating the story of the Jewish struggle during the Holocaust.
He likened the situation to The Diary of Anne Frank being penned by a writer outside the Jewish faith. Additionally, the director of The Wolf of Wall Street believed that Spielberg, with his Jewish background, was the ideal candidate for the role.
Also Read: Steven Spielberg Said No to Working With Tom Hanks in a Hearttouching Gesture For His Sister
