In two weeks, the Oscars will be broadcast live, and if you’re a movie fan you’ll likely be frustrated with the Academy voters for at least one of the nominees. In the past, the Oscar for best picture didn’t go to Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” (a travesty) and William H. Macy lost Best Actor for “Fargo” to Cuba Gooding Jr. (star of “Snow Dogs”) – but, SIFF recognizes the greatness of these movies and more, and you can spend next Sunday commiserating and celebrating with other film buffs at SIFF’s Oscar Snubs Movie Marathon at SIFF Uptown.
SIFF’s 12-hour marathon showcases six films that the Academy passed over, plus food, drink, and fun! On tap are meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) from Portage Bay Café and Eltana Wood-Fired Bagels, a mid-marathon happy hour, bottomless popcorn, and brews from Ninkasi Brewing. The event is a special fundraiser with all proceeds benefitting SIFF, so they can continue to bring us great films and special events throughout the year.
The film roster is as follows:
A Star is Born, 1954 – Judy Garland’s fierce performance in George Cukor’s remake was overlooked for the Best Actress award in favor of another legendary actress, Grace Kelly, who won for her role in The Country Girl.
Fargo, 1996 – the Best Supporting Actor award was truly botched, overlooking William H. Macy’s tragic performance as misguided Jerry Lundegaard, in favor of Cuba Gooding Jr.’s catch-phrase spouting role in Jerry Maguire.
The Thin Man, 1934 – Nominated for Best Picture, Director, Actor, and Writer, this inebriated mystery-comedy classic went home empty handed.
Do the Right Thing, 1989 – One of the most controversial films of 1989, and one that made director Spike Lee a force to be reckoned with, Do The Right Thing may have been a bit too in-your-face for Academy voters, who instead chose to showcase the film’s polar opposite: Driving Miss Daisy.
Blazing Saddles, 1974 – Many hoped Madeline Khan would break the Academy’s comedy curse after she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress but she lost to Ingrid Bergman, more for legacy than performance, in Murder on the Orient Express.
Secret Snub! – SIFF isn’t divulging this title yet, but they’ve provided a hint: it features one of history’s best-selling soundtrack albums, yet Academy voters didn’t find it worthy of a single Best Song nomination, much less a win.
“Not everyone can always be a winner and with our Oscar Snubs marathon event we salute those films that belong alongside those that actually received a golden statue. Extraordinary, unforgettable and masterful film works that stand the test of time.” – SIFF Artistic Director, Carl Spence
“Oscar winners have been and will always be celebrated, but what about those deserving films, actors and crew members not lucky enough to take home the gold? This year, SIFF’s annual movie marathon examines the history of the Academy Awards, and celebrate some of the famously snubbed films and performances. After all, upsets are often just as – if not more – exciting to discuss than the winners!” – SIFF programmer, Clinton McClung
Heads up, film buffs – make your plans to spend next Sunday at SIFF, with great movies, food, drink, and fun!