Skyfall has not only been a huge box-office success (over $220 million in just 3 weeks), but it’s also one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year. That’s something that usually doesn’t happen to a Bond film, no matter how good it is.
So the question that has been coming up the last few weeks is… Can Skyfall actually be nominated for Best Picture?
While the movie is a dark horse candidate for Best Picture, it could garner supporting noms for Javier Bardem as the villain and Judi Dench as M. Daniel Craig has been praised for his portrayal of the famous secret agent, but it’s nearly impossible for him to get nominated for Best Actor. The same can be said for director Sam Mendes.
Are there any categories that could be considered locks for a nomination?
The Academy will want to honor the longest running movie franchise for it’s 50 year anniversary and there are some categories that Skyfall could do well in.
Cinematographer Roger Deakins – who, with nine Oscar noms, is one of the most respected people in his field — serves up stunning shots from neon-lit high-rises in Shanghai, where a tricky, mirrored shootout takes place, to the misty hills of Scotland. Composer Thomas Newman, a 10-time Academy nominee, offers a score that teases us with echoes of the original Bond theme. Sound mixer Greg P. Russell, who has been nominated 15 times without a win, could go for 16. Adele’s title tune is a sure-fire lock for a Best Song nomination and perhaps even favored to win.
No matter where the nominations come from, Skyfall will be the most successful Bond flick of all time. Here’s a look at how Bond movies have fared at the Oscars.
BOND AT THE OSCARS
- Goldfinger, 1964 — Won for sound effects
- Thunderball, 1965 — Won for visual effects
- Diamonds Are Forever, 1971 — Nominated for sound
- Live and Let Die, 1973 — Nominated for song: “Live and Let Die,”Linda and Paul McCartney
- The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977 — Nominated for art direction; nominated for score; nominated for song: “Nobody Does It Better,”Marvin Hamlisch, Carole Bayer Sager
- Moonraker, 1979 — Nominated for visual effects
- For Your Eyes Only, 1981 — Nominated for song: “For Your Eyes Only,” Bill Conti, Michael Leeson
