Oscars 2017: Dark Horse/Upset Predictions
By Jenn Reid
BEST DIRECTOR: Mel Gibson
Frontrunner: Damien Chazelle
Potential Upset: Mel Gibson
Man, Hollywood loves a comeback. Mel Gibson’s fall from grace (to put it lightly) is legendary. The once-popular actor was arrested for a DUI in 2006 where he went on a drunken anti-Semitic tirade. This occurred just a few years after his film The Passion of The Christ was also accused of anti-Semitism. In 2010, Gibson had a restraining order placed against him by his ex-wife who claimed he was violent, and tapes hit the internet of Gibson berating her and using racial slurs.
Now he’s nominated for an Oscar.
Listen, this is the industry that rewards alleged abuser Woody Allen and launched a petition on behalf of convicted abuser Roman Polanski. They believe in separating the art from the artist in a major way, and Gibson’s recent success is indicative of that. He may have had a very public racist breakdown, but now he’s making art again so all is forgiven.
Hacksaw Ridge, a WW2 drama about a religious pacifist soldier who refused to carry a weapon into battle, has been called one of the best films of the year and critics have praised Gibson’s skills as a director. The film is nominated for six Oscars this year and many are calling this Gibson’s redemption arc. His past is behind him, he’s making good movies again and Hollywood is ready to forgive and let him direct Suicide Squad 2. Is an Oscar that unlikely?