The Empire Strikes Back
To say the least, the Academy is fickle. Way back in 1978, they acknowledged Star Wars (NOT A New Hope, but Star Wars) as the cinematic phenomenon that it was by awarding it a whooping ten nominations – it lost Best Picture to Woody Allen’s masterful Annie Hall, a decision I’m 100% behind. However, when the now-experienced production team released The Empire Strikes Back three years later, the Academy failed to duplicate their affection – giving the sequel only three nominations (Sound, Set Direction, Original Score) and one win (Sound).
Really? Grossing well over $500 million and hosting the epic battle on Hoth, the introduction of Yoda, and the realization that Luke Skywalker has some major daddy issues (NOOOO!!!!), Empire is widely regarded as the highlight of the franchise, exhibiting a stronger plot, enhanced character development and a better sense of direction. Come on, where’s the Best Picture nomination?
Regardless, there’s no doubt that Martin Scorsese’s black-and-white boxing tale, Raging Bull should have been the big winner that night, even if Episode V had been nominated.
Listen, I like Donald Sutherland, but seriously, Ordinary People cannot beat Jake LaMotta AND Darth Vader.