The Harry Potter film series, starring Daniel Radcliffe, has a massive fan following among modern pop culture enthusiasts. All the eight movies in the franchise, based on the works of J.K. Rowling, went massive at the box office. Interestingly, despite such a success, the films could never do anything significant at the Academy Awards.
For years, the Academy has been unpopular for some of its controversial decisions. Both fans and stars frequently complain about how some deserving films never get their chance to shine. Daniel Radcliffe felt that the Oscars snubbed his eighth Harry Potter film as it fell short of nominations before Martin Scorsese’s Hugo.
Daniel Radcliffe called out the Academy for snubbing his last Harry Potter movie
It is undeniable that the Harry Potter films formed a massive part of our childhood. The Daniel Radcliffe films collectively earned about $7.7 Billion worldwide. However, the star became extremely unhappy when he saw that his concluding fantasy adventure film only got a mere 3 nominations whereas Martin Scorsese’s Hugo got 11 and the black-and-white silent The Artist got 10.
In an interview with the Radio Times (via The Guardian), Daniel Radcliffe stated that he was disheartened to see the Academy treating Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 poorly at the 2012 Oscars. He did not hesitate to say that the Oscars never acknowledge commercial or kids’ films until they are made by Martin Scorsese.
I don’t think the Oscars like commercial films, or kids’ films, unless they’re directed by Martin Scorsese. I was watching Hugo the other day and going, ‘Why is this nominated and we’re not?’ I was slightly miffed. There’s a certain amount of snobbery. It’s kind of disheartening. I never thought I’d care. But it would’ve been nice to have some recognition, just for the hours put in.
At the 84th Academy Awards, Hugo, starring Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, and others was very successful in the technical departments winning 5 Oscars out of the 11 nominations. On the other side, Harry Potter 8, nominated for Art Direction, Makeup, and Visual Effects continued the bitter trend of the franchise to go trophyless.
Although the Kill Your Darlings star asserts that his Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 was unfairly treated, it must be noted that there are many flaws across the entire film series. Despite its last part being good, the films were directed by different directors and had their ups and downs and sometimes felt too child-friendly.
Even Martin Scorsese has not been a successful face at the Oscars
Martin Scorsese is undoubtedly one of the greatest filmmakers ever. His filmography boasts a wide variety of films and a rich style of filmmaking that deserves proper attention and discussion. Unfortunately, even after giving out so many successful and memorable films, the Taxi Driver director only won 1 Best Director award among his 10 nominations.
Besides his 10 nominations for Best Director, Scorsese also earned 6 more nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture. Sadly, he only has a single Best Director award for his The Departed. Although his films have received several nominations in several categories, it has been a long time since he won something. Many people expected his Killers of the Flower Moon to do great, but it could not do anything significant.
However, it must be also noted that the long Oscar draught does not raise any doubts regarding Martin Scorsese’s skills. IndieWire has already announced his upcoming project, A Life of Jesus, and is also expected to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio in the Apple Original film, The Wager.
Harry Potter film series can be streamed on Max, while Hugo can be rented on Apple TV+.
