Last month, my friend, Variety editor Tim Gray, wrote a preview of this year’s Oscar season where he took note of all the strong contenders directed by female, gay, African-American, or foreign filmmakers and said: “[I]t’s possible the best-director noms might not include a single English-speaking, Caucasian, straight male. It’s not likely, but, for the first time, it’s possible.” Now, I’m sure he never really thought that would actually end up happening, but it certainly seemed like non-straight-white-American-male filmmakers had a decent shot at scoring two or three of the eventual Best Director slots. But as the year comes to a close, many of the “minority” candidates seem to be falling by the wayside. For starters, let’s look at a trio of openly gay directors: Nine‘s Rob Marshall missed out on a Golden Globe nomination even as his film picked up five nods, Precious‘ Lee Daniels (pictured, above left) has been almost completely overlooked by the critics groups so far, and A Single Man‘s Tom Ford (pictured, center) seems to have a better shot in the adapted-screenplay race. Among the women, Bright Star‘s Jane Campion has seen her film fade from overall consideration in the last few weeks, while It’s Complicated‘s Nancy Meyers is a likelier original-screenplay nominee. It’s now looking like The Hurt Locker‘s Kathryn Bigelow may end up as the only “different” Oscar nominee, if the other four slots go to Up in the Air‘s Jason Reitman, Inglourious Basterds‘ Quentin Tarantino, Avatar‘s James Cameron, and Invictus‘ Clint Eastwood.
So can any other filmmaker who’s not a member of the American boys’ club break in? Maybe The White Ribbon‘s Austrian-born Michael Haneke? Or An Education‘s Lone Scherfig (pictured, right)? Considering only three women have ever been nominated for Best Director in the Oscars’ 82-year history, it would certainly be terrific to have two females nominated in the same year for the first time.
Image credit: Daniels: Anne Marie Fox; Ford: Eduard Grau; Scherfig: Kerry Brown
who knows, interesting question.
heaven forbid white heterosexual males get credit for accomplishing anything in this county anymore.
The article never said it was a bad thing. And it would be nice to see others get recognition for their accomplishments, too. That includes other ethnic groups, differing sexual orientations, and the other sex.
Heaven forbid they acknowledge the accomplishment of anyone else.
That’s not my point. Why is there always criticism? Why does it always have to be about affirmative action?
This isn’t about ‘affirmative action’. This is about the constant shutting out of worthy contenders.
Actually Jason makes a strong point.
We’re all so absorbed in the idea of making sure all minorities are being respected these days that a white straight male has almost become the enemy.
If the shoe fits…
As a straight, white male myself, I agree with Jason and D. I am tired, TIRED I tells ye, of being oppressed. When will a guy like me stop being forced to accept more money and fame for doing the same job as others. It’s enough to make me weep all over my Nike shoes (which I’m pretty sure were made by a 6 year old gay Philipino).
A-FUQUING- MEN SIR! I’m so sick of reading nothing but how feminist, gay pride, and ethnic media are victimized along with the people who are associated. It can’t be people’s actual thought that the top 5 directors nominated might be 5 guys that have very long or on the rise careers. There has to be evil behind this I know it! There’s bigotry afoot and I will accuse of it if I can find a way to. Piss off, christ.
Really? You don´t find it strange or disturbing or disheartening that straight white males continue to disproportionately dominate directing jobs in Hollywood?
no, because thats pretty much a majority in this country
men are not the majority.
Maybe women just aren’t good at directing. There are plenty of female executive producers and women in very important Hollywood jobs… so maybe they’re just not as good at directing
I can’t tell if you are being sarcastic or serious because that statement can be either funny or extremely stupid.
James, think about this as a White male. If there is no equality how than do your accomplishments really merit much? It’s like letting the idiot boy win at baseball – did he really win?
you’re kidding, right? the fact that only white straight men ever get acknowledged means studios are less willing to take risks on women or minorities. let’s look at the history of academy directors and get a good idea of what is completely missing from the equation.
Hmm let’s see why men seem to be acknowledged more than women? Why don’t we look at the previous films made by women. When they aren’t mindless Rom-Com dribble (see Nora Ephron & Nancy Meyers), or sentimental melodrama (Penny Marshall), they’re inaccessibly artsy or dull (Ms. Copola for her double whammy punch of Marie Antoinette and Lost in Translation). And that’s just the explanation for the bias against the ladies. When minorities start making films both critically AND commercially accessible, the Academy will start paying attention.
Hey “I’m a lady” I totally agree with what you’re saying. Given just how deep the closet is in Hollywood though, maybe we need to italicize the word “straight”.
face the facts, you’re missing the point. the fact is hollywood studios SHUT OUT WOMEN DIRECTORS to make anything BUT rom com dribble.
to Face the Facts: You are stating that when minorities and women start making movies worthy of acclaim the Academy will notice.
That is an exact and perfect example of the idea that straight white men have are better, superior. It is a stereotype and although all stereoptypes are correct in some individual cases, it can not be correct for all of them.
How do we know that there are plenty of talented minority, homosexual and/or female directors out there that can make beautiful movies that just aren’t given the chance because of their skin color, sexual orientation or lack of penis?
And how do we know that the reason for this isn’t because people believe the stereotype that white males are superior.
I remember in an English class a white boy stated it wasn’t his fault that he didn’t read black authors, it was that black people didn’t write books. This is was in the 90s… Black people do write books and have been writing books for centuries. Just because you don’t have access to it, don’t blame the minorities for not making it.
Sorry, face the facts, but men have a far worse track record in terrible filmmaking than women. Hell, Michael Bay alone has a far worse track record.
And this: http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/10-films-you-didnt-know-were-directed-by-women-colea.php
“Inaccessibly artsy or dull.” Jesus Christ, you’re a low-brow dumbass–and Michael Bay’s target demo.
Unfortunately, I haven’t seen most of these films, so I will just base comments on reviews.
Nine doesn’t sound like a film worthy of consideration, so is Rob Marshall supposed to be considered over James Cameron just because he is a “minority”?
This is beyond offensive.
Base it on MERIT, people.
I think it should be based on merit as well. I don’t think a crappy film made by a non-white, non-male and/or non-hetreosexual that wins an award does anyone any good.
I think the point of the article and the point of some of the comments is that the based on a culture that has systemically belittled the accomplishments and disenfranchised a large group of people may not be allowing the same opportunities to create art the same way for all.
Agreed, Levelheaded. And andrea, Avatar hasn’t exactly gotten raves for anything beyond its special effects. Most of the reviews I’ve read have, at best, said the story is a ripoff of Dances With Wolves. At worst, it’s wooden and chock full of white guilt. So no, maybe Nine isn’t awesome. But I don’t think Avatar is any great shakes, either. So leave Rob Marshall out of it – there are still plenty of minority directors who have received rave reviews this year.
Luddite…what critics are you reading? Avatar has a metacritic score of 83, which means it has gotten some excellent reviews by the country’s top critics.
Luddite, I’m guessing you haven’t actually seen Avatar, because your comment is completely off base.
I think all the people that are saying it isn’t fair to exclude “white-straight males” are missing the point. Ofcourse the best person should be nominated.
The point is it isn’t just “white-straight-males” making movies. This is AMERICA, a melting pot. This article is stating the bigger problem. That minorities aren’t given the opportunity to direct an “avatar” or an “inglourious basterds”
junierizzle. what a stupid comment to make. they don’t have the opportunity to direct “avatar” or “inglourious basterds” because THEY DIDN’T WRITE THEM! Quentin and Cameron wrote their respective movies. So shut it. I’m a “minority” and I’m tired of all this crap about honoring the gays, the ladies, and what not. If they don’t deserve it, they don’t! Women directors make movies for women, and they suck. But when a minority Director makes a great movie, they’ll be honored, like Alfonso Cuaron and Guillermo Del Toro.
I totally understand why you feel this way! It is frustrating to feel that people who are like you are not fully recognized for their accomplishments purely based on their skin color, sex and sexual orientation!!!!
Now, imagine that times 50 years of being unacknowledge because of your skin color, sex and/or sexual orientation and maybe you can understand why people write articles and make such passionate postings like this.
The post directly above is for Jason, the first poster. And yes, I don’t grammar check. Although, I suppose I should.
I agree. Straight, white men have ruled this country and everything in it for too long. I honestly don’t care at all if they feel discriminated against. Step into the shoes of those of us who have been facing discrimination for decades.
Give gays, women, and racial minorities a chance to make a great movie and they will prove to be just as good as anyone else. But Hollywood just doesn’t even give them the opportunity. Maybe if we started honoring these people for their achievements they’d get more respect in Hollywood and the Best Director race will look more like the demographics of the country/Hollywood.
So all you straight white men complaining here… go cry to someone who cares. I don’t.
Some of this year’s most critically acclaimed movies like ‘Precious’ failed to garner recognition for their directors and you don’t think that’s odd? Hetero sexual white male directors with critically acclaimed movies will almost always get director recognition. You sorely missed the point. Drop the ‘Hate On The White Straight Male’ act and see it for what it is which is discrimination.
If the director of Precious was white and male, he would probably get the same limited recognition because the movie does not feature the best or most “prominent” direction. Yet now if that director was Clint Eastwood, then yes, he WOULD be recognized. The problem this year is that someone like Clint is getting recognized for his star power and industry respect rather than his directorial accomplishment. Invictus looks to be a Best Picture nominee given the 10 nominees, but Eastwood still seems like he’s phoning it in with this one. Poor Lone Scherfig, but she might be able to take out Eastwood or Cameron if they like her movie enough. Unlike Precious, it seems more sophisticated and Academy-friendly in the first place.
Jason, ever heard of the “old boys’ club”?
It’s the reason why, historically, women, blacks, gays, Latinos, etc. have been denied job opportunities.
If you don’t understand this, you might be a redneck.
Ahaha, the poor white male feels he is being picked on. And yet, lets see who gets the nominations (again). Clint Eastwood’s film is good, but I think Campion and Daniels were better movies. I like Tarantino and Reitman. Cameron could go either way, and I would be fine with that. I’d like to see Tarantino, Daniels, Reitman, Bigelowe, and Scherfig make the cut myself.
Uh, first of all…stop putting gays, African-Americans, and women in the same cateogry. Being black or a woman is a genetic, DNA-based characteristic – it’s not a choice or a predisposition. I can’t choose to genetically be either. I can choose whether or not to be gay (yes, I know people that have chosen to go either way – and they openly admitted to me it was a lifestyle choice). Not to mention, are white males on some sort of pedestal by themselves – and everyone else is the minority? Uh, no offense, but of the almost 7 billion people on this earth, the overwhelming majority are not white males – they’re quite the opposite.
Your comments about homosexuality being a choice are beyond laughable. Are you telling me that your attraction to men and women is exactly the same but that you are simply choosing to live your life as a heterosexual? If so, then good for you. Speaking for myself (and probably 99% of the rest of the homosexual population) I can safely say it isn’t a choice for me. And it never really was. I have always been sexually attracted to the same gender – even before I fully understood what sexual attraction was. So I am glad that you have found a few people that claim they can choose one or the other – the facts are that the majority of us can’t. We are born wired this way – sorry if that confuses you.
@datruth82: Gee, thanks for enlightening me on what choices gay people make. Perhaps it is a choice of being honest or being a liar. In any case, you need a little educatin’
Dear datruth82,
You are clearly out of your depth. When adults are talking, I’d suggest that you remain silent. Maybe then you will learn something. I am black, male and gay. Surprise! These three groups are not mutually exclusive. I did not sit down and make a list of pros and cons to determine my race, sex or orientation.
Uh…what’s laughable is thinking that just because you’re genetically predisposed to a behavior means you have to exhibit it – and yes, being attracted to someone or something is a behavior. I could be genetically predisposed to alcoholism, and still choose not to drink. I could be genetically predisposed to drugs, but I could still choose not to use them. As long as you’re in full control of your mental faculties, then behaviors taken or not taken are a choice. On the other hand, you can bleach your skin, straighten your hair, and try as hard as you’d like to strip away black characteristics…and guess what? You’d still be of African descent, and therefore still black. There’s no choice about it. That’s the difference between a behavior (even one to which you’re genetically predisposed), and a genuine genetic trait, to which you have absolutely no control, no say, and no matter what you do, can not change.
and you dont think in the slightest bit that the three of these , Inglourious Basterds‘ Quentin Tarantino, Avatar’s James Cameron, and Invictus‘ Clint Eastwood , are not helped by their “names” and reputations within the directing community.. i mean all clint eastwood has to do is direct a movie and he gets an automatic nomination. i think there are so many good directors, its just the familiar names, who happen to be white heterosexual men, always seem to get the nominations.. if you dont see that, then you are blind to reality, just look at the history of which the author is referring…. please pity the straight white guys…
Jason and D – you two are CRAZY (and I’m willing to be my life, straight white males). You have ruled this country, and the world, for hundreds of years. by “you” I mean straight, white males. you’ve got some nerve posting a response to this article that asks the justified question; why don’t we see more directors who are NOT straight white males, in general, or being honored. Jason and D – take a look at the Best director winners since the Oscars began. You tell me: should I SERIOUSLY feel sorry for people like you??? Take a look at the CEOs of most major corporations. Take a look at Congress. Take a look at the Supreme Court. You look at most of the governors in our country. Look at most of the mayors. Don’t pick and choose – look at them ALL. You tell me – am I SERIOUSLY supposed to feel sorry for YOU??
Wow. All spoken like true racists, misogynists and homophobes. You guys are exactly the reason why you hear the bitching from feminists, gay pride, and ethnic media.
I don’t think a minority director has been acknowledge at the Oscars since Ang Lee won for Brokeback Mountain.
That’s because this award has basically become a lifetime achievement award.
Oh Jason. First:“heaven forbid white heterosexual males get credit for accomplishing anything in this county anymore.”
I totally understand why you feel this way! It is frustrating to feel that people who are like you are not fully recognized for their accomplishments purely based on their skin color, sex and sexual orientation!!!!
Now, imagine that times 50 years of being unacknowledge because of your skin color, sex and/or sexual orientation and maybe you can understand why people write articles and make such passionate postings like this.
Now you state that it is a ‘lifetime acheivement award’…
Well, a lfietime is about 70-80 years, right? Well, I’m pretty sure even just 50 years ago a black person would not be allowed to direct a major motion picture. A homosexual would surely have to lie about who they love and a woman would have a very difficult time at it. And even a black child who was born ten years after that would have a hard time just getting an equal education, let alone becoming a successful director that was allowed to make films.
Things are a lot better now, but to completely dismiss a history of prejudicial behavior is flippant, ignorant and insensitive.
“a lifetime acheivement award”, yet you’re upset;
Wait a minute… When did James Cameron become a serious entrant into this year’s race? I know “Avatar” is making tons and tons of money, but we’re not exactly talking “Lord of the Rings”-level reception.
People are rewarding the technical achievement over the film’s actual quality. Hence Cameron’s alleged position as a “front runner” for a nomination.
Very true – that movie is all CGI and that should not trump true direction in terms of script, dialogue, performances, etc.
clint eastwood AGAIN? for a movie no one is talking about at all. he is so ridiculously overrated.
preach
Amen Sister! There were parts of Invictus that were so trite and twee that had me laughing hysterically. He definitely doesn’t deserve a nomination for this one.
“precious” is full of outstanding performances including one by mariah carey. those performances didn’t come out of a vacuum. lee daniels should be nominated.
It’s so typical. Just like years ago when Barbra Streisand got shut out for best director with The Prince of Tides. Seven nominations – including best picture! – but no acknowledgment for the person who put the whole thing together?
In the Academy’s defense, The Prince of Tides is a pretty terrible movie. Streisand’s Best Director snub was a display of uncommon good taste by Oscar voters; it was all the other nominations the movie received that were questionable. (Except Nick Nolte. Darn good performance there.)
How will you defend the academy with Spike Lee and Do the Right thing?
that’s what I thought, even though it should be based on merit, not minority status, Lee Daniels flat out deserves this nomination. that movie was incredible.
Precious will be seen as an actor’s film by the Academy. I think this what the case with Prince of Tides and to add another film to the discussion, Driving Miss Daisy.
Or Doubt? Incredible film, loads of actor nominations, but no picture or director. And (I believe) directed by a white male. Doubt and Precious are actor movies, not whole picture movies.
Clint Eastwood is a fantastic director, but it would be a shame if Lee Daniels doesn’t get a nomination. It would be a shame because Precious is so amazing. It takes a true artist to effectively navigate that story and subject matter to the big screen!
And, I’m not going to lie, it would also be great as he would be the 2nd African American EVER nominated for Best Director.
In some of these cases, such as Nine and It’s Complicated, the movies just aren’t good enough to earn the nominations. The Oscars should, first and foremost, honor the best movies of the year, not nominate minorities just for the sake of it.
No one is saying that minorities should be nominated just because. What is being said is that there are many deserving people – who just happen to be what is considered a minority or an outsider – who are being shut out… year after year after year.
And yes, I agree that Nine and It’s Complicated aren’t necessarily worthy of best director nods, but I do think that Tom Ford for A Single Man, Lee Daniels for Precious, and Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker should be front-runners, as well as Jane Campion for Bright Star.
precious and a single man are both outstanding films though, by fledgling directors….lee daniles missing from the list is ridiculous…i am astonished that tarantino could make it for a middling film with one great performance
That photo of Lee Daniels looks like a pre-plastic surgery Tyler Perry (with hair).
I don’t understand what the fuss is all about – EW Magazine doesn’t Employ Minorities either (Name 2 Black, Asian, or Latino Staff Writers and you’ll get a prize). For goodness sake we have a Black President, ISN’T THAT ENOUGH!!!???
mr williams – still bitter?? u and your conservative ilk are still clueless
Yes we have a black president and that’s enough, let me just ask my wife, oh wait, we aren’t legally married in a vast majority of states because we are a same sex couple. Oh yes equality, it feels so good.
Mr. Williams, I was gonna post the same exact thing! Apparently a black President is NOT enough for these people. They want everything to be black. Having a black President IS enough. Too bad he sucks, but you get what you asked for. I guess they won’t rest till James Bond is black and is married to another black man.
How dare you, isn’t having a black president enough?!? When the opportunities of all are a given, except of only having a select group having it all, then it will be enough!
this is dumb. just nominate the people who should be nominated. who cares about who they are, what they look like? dumb.
Thank God someone said it right!!
Women are 50% of the population. Take a look at the winners of the Best Director Oscar since the award’s inception. How many are female? Is it anywhere NEAR 50%? Has there even been any? There is no way the complete lack of female directors (and awards for them) is simply coincidence. Let me guess, KRibbons and 4real – you are each white, straight males. Well, when you’re a group that is constantly being shut out, you start to care about “who they are, what they look like.”
“heaven forbid white heterosexual males get credit for accomplishing anything in this county anymore.”
I just love how white straight guys love to play te victim card nowadays…
Oh boo hoo – you had the world handed you on a plate – and now finally other sections of society are getting a shot. Deal with it.
Amen. It must be rough to experience that kind of discrimination…the suggestion that others might be equal to you. As a woman, I’m sure I will NEVER be able to understand the discrimination experienced by straight white dudes. Must be rough.
Isn’t the director The Hurt Locker a woman? She did a good job breaking down what people felt a mans genre to be accessible by all.
I always felt Kathryn Bigelow would be an excellent candidate to be the first female to win Best Director for this reason. Out of the “minority” directors, she stands the best chance at a nomination and, if the film can capitalize on its critics’ awards, at a win. In fact, her chances at a win are better than Jane Campion (who was against Spielberg’s Schindler’s List) and Sophia Copella (who the Academy could give a Best Screenplay award…thereby not giving her Best Director–the same will probably happen with Reitman and Tarantino this year). Interestingly, this race will probably come down to ex-spouses Cameron and Bigelow.