Besides Heath Ledger's, what other Oscars could 'The Dark Knight' win?
With all of the frenzied Oscar talk about Heath Ledger being nominated for best lead or supporting actor (see HERE and HERE and HERE), where is the buzz for "The Dark Knight" in other categories, eh?
Of course, Warner Bros. would like us all to believe that "The Dark Knight" is a shoo-in for best-picture and director noms, but those may be a bit of a s-t-r-e-t-c-h, even for mighty Batman. However, director/co-writer Christopher Nolan might be nominated along with his brother Jonathan for crafting such words as these growled by the Joker (Heath Ledger) to Batman (Christian Bale): "You're just a freak . . . like me!"
Popcorn pix like "The Dark Knight" aren't often appreciated by the academy for writing, but sometimes voters nominate the screenplays of animated pix ("Ratatouille," "The Incredibles," "Finding Nemo"), blockbusters ("Gladiator"), comedies ("Big"), even fantasies ("Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" won).
Besides, the Nolans are past nominees for best screenplay — for "Memento." Sadly, they got robbed by the overrated script to "Gosford Park," so the academy owes 'em. That's how I look at it.
And considering the Oscar pedigree of many other members of its creative team, "The Dark Knight" could be a major player in many top races.
ART DIRECTION —Nathan Crowley scored a bid for "The Prestige."
CINEMATOGRAPHY — Wally Pfister was nominated for "The Prestige" and "Batman Begins."
COSTUMES — Lindy Hemming won for "Topsy-Turvy."
EDITING — Lee Smith was nommed for "Master and Commander."
MAKEUP — Messing up the gook on Heath Ledger's face like that was brilliant. This Joker looks crazier than ever . . . and he IS, natch. The academy may want to thank Peter Robb-King, who was nommed for "Legend."
MUSIC — James Newton Howard (seven nominations, including "Michael Clayton," "My Best Friend's Wedding," "The Prince of Tides") and Hans Zimmer (seven noms; he won for "The Lion King").
SOUND EDITING — Richard King won for "Master and Commander" and was nominated for "War of the Worlds."
SOUND MIXING —Ed Novick was up for "Spider-Man."
VISUAL EFFECTS — Ian Hunter is long overdue for Oscar recognition, having three previous noms from the Visual Effects Society for socko work on the likes of "Spider-Man 3" and "Live Free or Die Hard."
But what about Heath Ledger's shot at an Oscar in the acting categories? First, the studio must decide if he should compete in lead or supporting — READ MORE about that hot debate.
Many Oscarologists believe that Heath Ledger's ghost holds an I.O.U. after having lost the best-actor award for for "Brokeback Mountain" — CLICK HERE to read more! Other Oscar gurus believe Heath Ledger is doomed and can't win — READ MORE, CLICK HERE!
Has Christian Bale nixed his future Oscar hopes because of his recent clash with his family? At the Oscars, bad boys pay a high price for their off-screen antics: READ MORE
(Warner Bros.)
I think Heath truly deserves the award. I can understand popcorn pics dont get so appreciated by the Oscars, but I think they can make an exception for our Dark Knight-- the timing, writing, scenario, acting, directing... man, everything was perfect! And I luvd how the music upped the scene throughout the movie.
And believe it or not, Christian Bale, besides being the best Batman, is one of the best actors. His subtle, dark and quiet yet extremely versatile acting (He's playing 3 faces of one character-- the playboy, the real person and the Batman) is getting overshadowed by the fantastic villains, and its remarkable as how he's taking it; not even touched by worry!
Besides, I don't think an actor's off-screen antics should seriously affect his performance rewardance. Its his personal family problem, and I dont mean to excuse him, but the fact is that from what I understand, he was stressed and in pressure for the movie, plus the hotel was surrounded by fans and paparazzi... he cudnt leave, and his family started insulting his other family. Man, what a twisted situation :P Remember, all the assaults were verbal... he volunatrily attended the police next day... therefore from all that I can believe reliably, he's not involved in any wrongdoing.
Posted by: Mano | August 16, 2008 at 06:30 AM
I can only comment as a moviegoer. I recently saw the Dark Knight and was not disappointed in the least after all the media build up.
The truth is that Heath Ledger carried tis movie into the stratosphere. I also think it was well written. Michael Caine was, as always, superb in his role as side kick wih smarts. However, from what I remember, some of the scenes seemed shoddy and Christian Bale's voice as Batman was fake and annoying.
Maggie was ok, but not spectacular. The actor who played the District Attorney was good "eye candy" and interesting in the role.
So, bottom line is, as a flick it was exciting and the grapics and stunts were off the charts, but still as far as acting...Heath Ledger will forever be te JOKER.
Sadly, he won't be around to further develop his immense talent - but, maybe this was his destiney, as with other fine ARTISTS who die in their prime. They somehow live on as great legends - look at Valentino, James Dean, John Lennon and more.
Posted by: NNN | July 31, 2008 at 02:53 PM
HEATH LEDGER HAD A WONDERFULL PERFOMANCE - HE WAS A PERFECT JOKER. I LOVE HEATH LEDGER. OSCAR FOR HIM NOW. I'M BRAZILIAN AND THERE'S A LOT OF HEATH LEDGER'S FANS IN BRAZIL.
Posted by: AUREA GONTIJO | July 27, 2008 at 12:14 PM
-BEST PICTURE
-BEST ACTOR
-BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
-BEST SCREENPLAY
-BEST EDITING
-BEST MAKEUP
-One of the best movies ever made,up there with the Departed,the Shawshank redemption,Godfather and One flew over the cuckoo's nest...Definately in the top 5 best movies ever made.
Posted by: marc | July 26, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Whether or not this film is nominated for several oscars doesn't matter to me. What matters to me is that David Goyer and the Nolan brothers have crafted a brilliant story that has rescued a completely disrespected franchise. From the campy television series of the 60's, to the preposterous films of the 90's; Batman had been watered down, and the incredibly dark nature of the story had been abandoned. With the 2005 film "Batman Begins," and now "The Dark Knight," director Christopher Nolan takes you deeper into the conflicted psyche of Bruce Wayne/Batman. Nolan elegantly displays a fallen hero in Harvey Dent, and drags you on a haunting ride with the psychotic Joker. "The Dark Knight" is not just a comic book film, but a technical masterpiece. The direction, cinematography, visual effects, film score, screenplay, and top notch performances are worthy of applause. If the Academy Awards chooses to ignore any aspect of this film it would be a shame, especially after awarding "Lord of the Rings" Best Picture a few years ago.It would be nice to see this film recognized in such a way, but not winning or being nominated for any award doesn't diminish the accomplishment and impact "The Dark Knight" has had or will continue to have on movie goers and film makers.
Posted by: John | July 25, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Best Screenplay, for starters. The Nolans have created the Godfather (Parts I and II) of superhero movies. Elevates the genre to an antirely new level.
Posted by: David | July 23, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Are you kidding? The very fact that The Dark Knight has polarized everyone so strongly is proof enough that this is not just an ordinary summer flick with no substance or merit. I've seen it several times now and really made an effort to analyze every nuance of the film - especially Heath Ledger's turn as the Joker - and I have to say that this is definitely more than just some hollow superhero beat-em-up of the Spiderman or Iron Man ilk. Even if they removed the comic book characters and replaced them with real world heroes and villains, this is still a very powerful and moving film and - at the very least - deserves a Best Picture nod.
As for Ledger's take on the Joker, I have to say that after the initial buzz wears off, he is just another actor playing a crazed criminal. He did an excellent job, but was it the best performance of the year? I'm not so sure anymore. What I believe is that a mixture of his acting, the brilliant makeup work and a wonderful script gave us a memorable performance. Heath Ledger will always be THE definitive Joker and I'm sorry he's dead, but I'm not sure he deserves the Oscar for Best Actor. If he wins, it will only be a pity win. Look at all the other HUGE performances given, even in this same film. My mind immediately turns to Gary Oldman. This guy is an absolute genius and he loses himself so completely in the role of Lt. Gordon that it's easy to forget that he's a British thespian (with a strong Brit accent to boot) and so even though he gives a stellar performance, we discount him because he just seems natural. THAT is acting, and even though Heath's Joker is certainly memorable, I think an actor's performance is weighed a little heavier than just saying someone created a memorable character.
But I could be wrong, and honestly I hope Heath wins. I'll damn sure vote for him in the People's Choice awards.
Posted by: Rush | July 23, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Haven't watched the oscars in so long but will if The Dark Knight is nominated for best picture, director and a bunch of others. If you dimiss this movie as a "summer movie" or a "popcorn flick" you either haven't seen it or don't know what your talking about. They would be smart to nominate this movie for as many oscars as possible, they would have so many more viewers than they've had in a long while...but then if it doesn't mich of anything they then turn right around and shoot themselves in the foot. Sadly in the end the aren't "hip" enough to see just how good this movie is and do what they always do in the end...miss the boat on yet another great film
Posted by: Lynn | July 23, 2008 at 08:41 AM
If the writing was so good how come I didn't care about the characters?
Ledger was wonderful, but if he hadn't been in the film, it would be seen for what it is. Bloated, overblown and overrated.
Posted by: RC | July 23, 2008 at 07:12 AM
If the writing was so good how come I didn't care about the characters?
Ledger was wonderful, but if he hadn't been in the film, it would be seen for what it is. Bloated, overblown and overrated.
Posted by: RC | July 23, 2008 at 07:11 AM
The editing was powerful and Oscar worthy
Posted by: Susan Lazarus | July 23, 2008 at 04:56 AM
Who cares about an industry insider award (Oscars) where mutual back-patting is elevated to an art form? The only award program that matters to me is the People's Choice Awards.
Posted by: Alec | July 23, 2008 at 03:17 AM
Just saw the film. I loved Ledger's performance dead or alive. As far as an Oscar nod, none of us can judge unless we watch every movie this year and judge his performance against all others.
But if you just saw the movie without knowing who was playing the joker, would you honestly be able to tell it was Heath Ledger? Maybe I would have guessed right the 30th time. Definitely best makeup nomination.
Posted by: B Toups | July 22, 2008 at 09:43 PM
actually, we can't make predictions unless we all know who the other nominees are. HL is not the only guy who can act in hollywood, you know.
Posted by: Le MULE | July 22, 2008 at 09:39 PM
The Oscars are something I haven't watched since I was a teen and hoped Pulp Fiction would win. Seriously, the Oscars has turned into the gay Superbowl. The only way I would watch this year (and many other males) is if The Dark Knight were nominated. And why shouldn't it be? The reviews have been terrific. If garbage like Chicago can win the Oscar, then The Dark Knight definitely can.
Posted by: Lou | July 22, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Is that how people measure the greatness of a movie? By winning an Academy Award? The Dark Knight kicked everybody in the arse thinking ' What the hell did i just watch? Well, they just watched the best Motion Picture since.. whatever you consider is the best motion picture ever. Oscars? Jeff Bridges, Al Pacino,Paul Newman. And Who the hell are these Academy members or voters? They're people who don't make movies.
Posted by: Saladdin Yudono | July 22, 2008 at 09:32 PM
This movie is just a way for America to feel that all their many enemies are insane and evil.
It is not a thought provoking movie it, it is collective denial.
Posted by: notafan | July 22, 2008 at 09:10 PM
i have to say that for me the Script was beautiful. Yeah, the movie should be a contestant for Oscars in few categories but the Script for me is one of the winners. I mean, fro a movie as Batman, blockbuster-superhero movie, to have a script that breaths with wit, humor, anecdotes and in a way of psychological analysis that can be applied to every person. For me the one of the better witty and humoristic moments was when the detective interviews the Joker and asks:
"Where are they?"
Joker: "What is the time"
Detective: "What does that matter??"
Joker: "Well depending on the time they can be in one place or in several places??"
Posted by: Johnny | July 22, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Heath Ledger was robbed of an Oscar for Brokeback Mountain & he'll be robbed again for this.
As expected he played his part, he was Brilliant.
Feeling very angry & sad he's not here to see the Grand Finale.
Posted by: Helen | July 22, 2008 at 05:47 PM
It should get the Oscar for Best Movie Ever. The last movie ever to receive that award was The Highlander. And Dark Knight is way better than The Highlander.
Posted by: Strange Proportion | July 22, 2008 at 04:52 PM
After watching the Dark Knight, I just kept thinking I wish Heath Ledger wasn't dead. the performance was incredible and could have made the next of the series mouthwatering. Bringing the Batman saga where it should be.
Posted by: Civsel | July 22, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Heath deserves an Oscar! He did an AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING JOB!!!!!!!!
But he isn't the only WONDERFUL in this movie.....everyone did an amazing job!!
Christian Bale is the BEST Batman EVER! No arguing...he beats them all!
TDK deserves to be nominated for SEVERAL categories!! The HYPE....is for no little reason. It's well deserved. I'm glad it's doing sooo well at the box office cuz it DESERVES IT!!!!
Posted by: kayla | July 22, 2008 at 03:27 PM
I think "The Dark Knight" could be nominated for the following Oscars:
Best Supporting Actor | Heath Ledger
Best Make-Up
Best Visual Effects
Best Sound
Best Sound Editing
And, maybe, for Best Editing.
I can see the picture winning: Supporting Actor, Sound, Sound Editing.
Posted by: Kamila | July 22, 2008 at 01:51 PM
After seeing this film twice, this is my conclusion: Regardless of Heath being dead or alive, he did a great job with the Joker character BUT lets be rational, an OSCAR is kind of a far fetched idea...he could be nominated for like Best Villian at the MTV Movie Awards but not by the Academy just because they simply do not look at these types of movies to get nominations from. Secondly, aside from Heath, Aaron Eckhart had a wonderful performance as well, better than any of the other cast members, and it is too bad that he is going unnoticed. In his interviews, he is so sincere and genuine about Heath and really feels that this film should be all about Heath. If you look at interviews of Christian Bale, you can tell that he is disappointed by Heath's death only because all of the attention has been taken away from him.
Another conclusion: Who cares about an Oscar, this movie was amazing. Heath had a great opportunity to create the Joker and he capitalized on it. Aaron certainly impressed me with his dynamic portrayal of Two face, and Christian Bale is, well we all know, the best Batman yet. With this said, we shouldnt show respect to HL by giving him an Oscar nomination, show him respect by appreciating his career and work.
Posted by: sammy | July 22, 2008 at 01:11 PM
After seeing this film twice, this is my conclusion: Regardless of Heath being dead or alive, he did a great job with the Joker character BUT lets be rational, an OSCAR is kind of a far fetched idea...he could be nominated for like Best Villian at the MTV Movie Awards but not by the Academy just because they simply do not look at these types of movies to get nominations from. Secondly, aside from Heath, Aaron Eckhart had a wonderful performance as well, better than any of the other cast members, and it is too bad that he is going unnoticed. In his interviews, he is so sincere and genuine about Heath and really feels that this film should be all about Heath. If you look at interviews of Christian Bale, you can tell that he is disappointed by Heath's death only because all of the attention has been taken away from him.
Another conclusion: Who cares about an Oscar, this movie was amazing. Heath had a great opportunity to create the Joker and he capitalized on it. Aaron certainly impressed me with his dynamic portrayal of Two face, and Christian Bale is, well we all know, the best Batman yet. With this said, we shouldnt show respect to HL by giving him an Oscar nomination, show him respect by appreciating his career and work.
Posted by: sammy | July 22, 2008 at 01:08 PM