News in Film
 
 
 

‘For Your Consideration’ Ads Get Desperate

Published by Jeff Leins on: November 29th, 2009

2012This year the Academy has expanded the “Best Picture” category to 10 nominees, which opens the door to even more expensive Oscar campaigns from major Hollywood studios.  Every year the “For Your Consideration” ads pop up on popular industry websites like Variety but, as the Playlist points out, this year has been especially laughable as companies vie for one of those slots with a few questionable picks.

For example, Sony Pictures is pushing 2012 for consideration in unknown categories, though these campaigns are usually just “notice us for anything, please!”  Presumably it has a shot at a visual effects nod, though it doesn’t deserve one.  I can’t imagine it being nominated for anything but Razzies, really.  Sony is also advertising This Is It, which already missed the short list for “Best Documentary,” so apparently they think it’s worthy of “every [other] category conceivable” at the suggestion of crazy Elizabeth Taylor.

FirstShowing’s Alex Billington picked up on Warner Bros’ campaign for The Hangover, but as you can see in the zoomed in right corner the “Best Picture” marquee is accompanied by “Comedy or Musical.”  It may not be in the top 10 films of the year, but it has a shot at the separate Golden Globe category for sure.  Naked Asian with a tiny penis?  Comedy (and awards) gold!  WB is also plugging Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Informant, Where the Wild Things Are, and Oscar shoe-in Invictus.

The Hangover

Then it just starts getting weird.  Paramount Pictures is not only spotlighting The Lovely Bones, Star Trek, and sure-fire contender Up in the Air, but they apparently think Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen belongs on the list.  Not just for sound editing or visual effects, but Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay (at least for stereotypical robots Mudflap and Skids alone), and hilariously Best Director.  Can you imagine the Oscar presenters announcing Michael Bay with a straight face?  “Michael B– hahaha, I just can’t do it.  Seriously, you gotta be kidding me.”

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

I’m not sure it gets more ridiculous than Transformers 2, but Universal is still trying.  Bruno and Funny People show up on their consideration lists, along with Public Enemies and It’s Complicated.  Wow, they had a rough year.

Universal's Bruno and Funny People

Fox Searchlight and Sony Picture Classics are suggesting just about everything, though I was sad to see Notorious left off the list. Truly a classic…  By the way, can we just give (500) Days of Summer “Best Original Screenplay” now and avoid all the formalities?

There will be much more Oscar discussion in the coming months, but while we’re looking at “For Your Consideration” ads I wanted to show some support for a few unsung heroes.  Here are a few ads I whipped up on my own:

Street Fighter
Land of the Lost
Dragonball Evolution

  • haha...but seriously...2012 deserves an effects nod (did you even see it?), though the win should go to watchmen, star trek, or district 9 at this point.
    and yes, transformers 2, even though i liked it, definitely doesn't deserve anything outside of technicals. the informant shouldn't be considered for anything outside of maybe some technicals either, damon was good, but not best good...maybe golden globe nod good. and i think sandler from funny people should be nominated for a golden globe.
    and oddly enough, it does seem to be a thin oscar year.
    even if lovely bones, invictus, avatar, up in the air (though i haven't heard much about this one) and even 'brothers' all weigh in for oscar potential, that still leaves 5 slots.
    i could see star trek, inglourious basterds, district 9, and MAYBE even harry potter filling those spots. i like the ten nominations. and hopefully not the overrated "up."
  • jeffleins
    Yeah, I saw 2012 but never got around to reviewing it. The effects were abundant, but I wouldn't exactly call them great. There's only so many times you can see destruction and crumbling buildings before it's hack.

    I agree on Transformers and The Informant. I liked Damon in the role and think he's a solid actor, but he's not going to contend in another strong year for "best actor" category. Good call on the Golden Globes though. It could be considered a "musical or comedy" performance.

    I thought it was a thin year for Oscars too, but I've been keeping up with some of the predictions at the Oscar blogs and it seems like a crowded year. I think its because there's still a few weeks before things really kick into gear.

    I've heard a lot about Up in the Air (and I read the script) and it's all overwhelming positive. Heaps and heaps of praise. People are saying Clooney over Day-Lewis, Reitman picking up screenplay and director nods, best picture nomination, etc. Very very excited about finally seeing it soon.
blog comments powered by Disqus