Oscars are infamous for ignoring many acclaimed blockbusters on certain occasions, especially the superhero genre. Although recent years have witnessed a shift in that practice, with movies like Joker and Top Gun: Maverick making their way into the Best Picture category, Steven Spielberg felt The Dark Knight deserved to be nominated back in 2009.
Being one of the most influential directors of all time, responsible for crafting iconic blockbusters, dramas, and sci-fi, Spielberg is still rocking the Oscars even in his mid-70s. And while opening up about getting his first Oscar nod for Best Screenplay, the director reflected on Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight getting snubbed for Best Picture.
Steven Spielberg on The Dark Knight getting snubbed at the Oscars
The Dark Knight is not only a good Batman movie but it also transcended what movies based on comic books can be, setting a new gold standard for every superhero film that succeeded it. And heading into the Oscars back in 2009, even Industry veterans were assured the Christopher Nolan-led film was surely one of the favorites to take the Oscar for Best Picture home.
Even though the film garnered several Oscar nominations, including Oscar for Best Supporting Role, which the late Heath Ledger won, the film was absent in the Best Picture category. Reflecting on the situation Steven Spielberg claimed the film should’ve been nominated for Best Picture and is assured that in today’s day and age, it would’ve undoubtedly earned the Best Picture nomination.
“I’m really encouraged by [Avatar: The Way of Water and Top Gun: Maverick being nominated for Best Picture].” Spielberg said. “It came late for the film that should have been nominated a number of years ago, Christopher Nolan’s, The Dark Knight. That movie would have definitely garnered a Best Picture Nomination today.”
Although The Dark Knight failed to secure a nomination, it did change Academy’s ways, which extended their Best Picture category from 5 to 10, recognizing more acclaimed films each year.
Sir Roger Deakins reflects on another Batman film getting snubbed at the Oscars
Batman films getting snubbed at the Oscars is turning out to be a pattern, as the critically and commercially successful The Batman failed to land a nomination for Best Cinematography. The film succeeded in bringing something new to the over-saturated genre, thanks to the brilliant minds behind the project, and one of the standout factors of the Reeves-led film was its cinematography.
Even Sir Roger Deakins stated Greig Fraser’s work on The Batman deserved to win the Oscars but was not nominated because of, “pure and simple snobbery.” The director also showcased his love for the film, expressing he has seen the movie several times. Sir Deakins said,
“I’m really glad you did Batman because I’ve never been a fan of Batman until your film, and I’ve seen it probably 3 or 4 times now. I think it’s very moving; I love it. I connect with the characters. I connect with what you’re saying with it.”
But considering the Oscars are recognizing more acclaimed blockbusters each year, irrespective of the genre, Spielberg is optimistic that the Academy Awards are heading in the right direction.
The Dark Knight is available to stream on Max.
Source: Deadline
