Colleague defends Minkler over O'Connell Oscar uproar
A colleague of Michael Minkler emailed Gold Derby to reply to the hubbub surrounding Minkler's dissing of Kevin O'Connell backstage at the Oscars. "Minkler sent O’Connell a personal note, which was delivered earlier this week," says the source, who asked to remain unnamed because he's not speaking officially on Minkler's behalf. "Minkler has expressed his regrets related to the statement — and also expresses his condolences to the O’Connell family for their loss. Minkler knew O’Connell’s mother and wishes only the best for Kevin and the family." O'Connell's sound-mixing partner Greg P. Russell told Kris Tapley of InContention.com Wednesday night that they hadn't heard from Minkler and I replied to the colleague by noting that O'Connell did not indicate to me yesterday that he'd heard from his antagonist. The colleague replied, "I imagine O’Connell may be occupied with more pressing family matters at the moment."
It is not every day when moviegoers pay much attention to craft awards. At least for this year, from what I read in numerous blogs and discussion groups, it looked like more people than usual paid attention to Cinematography, Costume Design and in the case of Kevin J. O'Connell, sound mixing.
O'Connell's 19 Oscar nominations with no wins is an accomplishment in any field and should not be ignored by the press. Many people in the business have difficulty receiving just one Oscar nomination.
If Minkler's statement was meant to be a sarcastic inside joke, it failed miserably. And considering the press and blogs including Gold Derby have reported on this matter, then the powers-that-be in the movie industry may reconsider hiring Minkler for future projects. I guess according to a previous poster (Tom), Minkler sounds a bit like the character in both versions of The Office played by Ricky Gervais and Steve Carell. I guess there will always be a small but notable group of talented, pompous ***** will end up working in all areas of Hollywood and not just in front of the camera.
In addition, I noticed that O'Connell's collaborator, Greg P. Russell also has numerous Oscar nominations. (11 nominations with no wins). Russell and O'Connell are working on Spider-Man 3 and is scheduled for release this year. Is it too early to root for them to win Best Sound Mixing for next year's Oscars?
Thanks for following up this story.
Posted by: gmjambear | March 02, 2007 at 02:02 PM
Those of us who have worked with Mr. Minkler over the years are not suprised by his comments. He's always been brash, arrogant, obnoxious and rude. A leopard doesn't change his spots. I have found that he always above the people he works with, and has been known to blame others for technical mistakes he has made. Mike, you've made your bed, now lie in it.
To Kevin, you deserve to win one for Skippy. You should never have to appologize for loving your Mom.
Posted by: Tom | March 02, 2007 at 12:36 PM
hey may have won the oscar for editing, but he has lost the award for class, hell, he may not even be a human being. But this is great example of our fascination with the Academy Awards, we fawn over the movies, we talk about them, we have our favorites, but that doesn't mean that complete a$$*&les are not taking the little golden guys home.
Posted by: Mozz Mendez | March 02, 2007 at 11:12 AM