As Brokeback Mountain returns to theaters for its twentieth anniversary, a author behind the 2005 homosexual neo-Western romance not too long ago recalled its Oscars snub.
Co-writer Diana Ossana not too long ago recalled Crash director Paul Haggis introducing her to Clint Eastwood at a celebration for the Academy Award nominees after voting had ended, a number of weeks earlier than the awards present.
“Paul began strolling me over and he goes, ‘Diana, I’ve to let you know, he hasn’t seen your film,’” recalled Ossana to The New York Occasions. “And it was like any person kicked me within the abdomen. That’s once I knew we’d not win Greatest Image.”
Regardless of successful a report variety of Greatest Image prizes throughout the awards season, together with the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics’ Selection Award and Unbiased Spirit Award, Brokeback Mountain infamously misplaced the Oscar to Crash.
Ossana continues to be satisfied homophobia in Hollywood performed a component within the defeat. “Individuals need to deny that, however what else might it have been? We’d received every little thing up till then,” she stated.
(L-R) Director Ang Lee, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal on the set of ‘Brokeback Mountain’
Focus Movies/Everett Assortment
After legendary Academy voters like Ernest Borgnine and Tony Curtis publicly acknowledged they’d not watch the Ang Lee-helmed movie, Ossana informed The Occasions, “I completely assume that block of voters stored this film from successful Greatest Image.”
Lee beforehand mirrored on the snub to Deadline. “Your guess is nearly as good as mine,” he stated final month. “There are occasions once I really feel like there’s an infinite willingness to observe the film. There’s a lot love for it. Usually, you’re feeling prefer it’s a breakthrough, that it broke all limitations. Individuals appear to soften down. And you can not even outline it as homosexual cinema. It’s not homosexual cinema, proper? It’s a love story.”
“I’m nothing however grateful. I’ve no bitterness. It by no means occurred to me,” added Lee, who received Greatest Director for the movie.
Brokeback Mountain additionally received Greatest Tailored Screenplay for Ossana and Larry McMurtry. The movie earned nominations for Greatest Actor for Heath Ledger, Greatest Supporting Actor for Jake Gyllenhaal, Greatest Supporting Actress for Michelle Williams, Greatest Cinematography for Rodrigo Prieto and Greatest Unique Rating for Gustavo Santaolalla.
