ROTTEN TOMATOES: Globes and Oscars Speak Different (Foreign) Languages

Globes and Oscars Speak Different (Foreign) Languages

by Scott Weinberg | November 28, 2006

OK, this is all a little confusing, but I think I got the gist of it: Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto" and Clint Eastwood's "Letters from Iwo Jima" WILL be eligible for "best foreign language film" at the Golden Globes -- but NOT at the Oscars, because they're technically considered "American" movies. American movies in which nothing but "foreign" languages are spoken.

The whole convoluted story can be enjoyed at Variety's Award Central.

And here's one strange side effect: Both movies will be eligible for "Best Picture," as far as Oscar is concerned ... but NOT according to the Globes.

Ugh, who really cares about these designations anymore? As far as movies go, we're pretty much living in a global village at this point, aren't we? Maybe the Oscars could just award a Top Ten Best Films of the Year list and leave it at that.

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(1-3 of 3 posts) | Reply

aconline writes:
on Nov 28 2006 07:15 AM

Why can't they be in the Best Picture category at the Globes? Do they not count as movies? I understand both sides of the arguments with the foreign language part though.

(Reply to this)

Mikeal420 writes:
on Nov 28 2006 07:40 AM

I also understand the argument, but I think they are taking the rules a bit too far.
Both awards shows are biasly American, the Foreign Language category is the only one reserved for Foreign Talent, although some of the past winners at the Oscars have been rather pitiful examples, namely "The Sea Inside" and "Nowere in Africa" good films, but not masterpieces by any means

(Reply to this)

cuddlyboy writes:
on Nov 28 2006 01:49 PM

The category is deeply flawed, regardless of these American movies. The history of Best Foreign Film is not about what The Academy thinks or likes - it's about what films each "country" (a committee of what experts, exactly?) submits TO The Academy for consideration. In any given year, the most acclaimed and/or popular foreign-language films are usually not nominated for the Oscar because the "country" (whatever that means in 2006) that they are from did not submit them. I say, despite the obvious flaws of The Academy . . . that The Academy should just vote on this category like they do any category. That way, popular - and often great - films like Diva or Y Tu Mama Tambien might get nominated, when their alleged benefactors didn't see fit to do so.

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