/

Oscar 2012 Nomination Predictions: Art Direction

First take a look at the 15 feature films nominated by the Art Directors Guild.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

First take a look at the 15 feature films nominated by the Art Directors Guild. Then swiftly cross out all five movies honored in the category of “contemporary film.” The last time a non-fantasy, non-period movie was nominated for an Oscar in this category…well, let’s just say it was during a time that would now be considered eligible within the ADG’s generous description of “period,” which this year includes the likes of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. (For real though, the most recent corollary I can see is 1996’s The Birdcage, which is arguably not a fantasy film only to the same demographic that presumes all gay men dress in drag at home as a matter of course.) Even the fantasy slate this year seems a tad thin, with The Adventures of Tintin, Cowboys & Aliens, and the latest Pirates of the Caribbean abortion all looking highly unlikely.

Captain America: The First Avenger and Hugo might get in for doubling down (they’re both fantasy and period), but Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 seems the only sure bet from cinema’s playpen. Which leaves a lot of room for those period movies, some of which seem, ahem, Tailor-made for inclusion here (seriously, I wanted to cut Maria Djurkovic’s wallpapers up like pot-laced brownies), and others of which might still slip in thanks to the vacuum effect. It’s probably anybody’s guess as to whether they’ll lean back as heavily on Elizabethan digs as their compatriots in the costumers’ branch often do. They might not have to, if they’re as in love with that damned faux-silent as the rest of Hollywood apparently is.

Will Be Nominated: The Artist, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2, Hugo, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Should Be Nominated: A Dangerous Method, Hugo, Super 8, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, War Horse

Advertisement

Eric Henderson

Eric Henderson is the web content manager for WCCO-TV. His writing has also appeared in City Pages.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.