New Delhi, Mar 11: First things first. There has been a lot of talk about who and what has been nominated for the 75th Academy Awards. Maybe, it’s time to take a look at those who have missed the party.
Well, if we look for the Indian connection, there were two contenders —Manoj Night Shyamalan and Mira Nair. Monsoon Wedding was released in the US last year and was eligible for consideration no doubt, but no one gave it a glance. Similarly, Shyamalan has been to the Oscar party before with Sixth Sense. However, there is no sign of Signs at the Oscars this year.


Moving away from the India connection, 20th Century Fox had built up Antwone Fisher —the directorial debut of Denzel Washington —as a must-see film. Of course, this strategy sought to garner Oscar nominations. Unfortunately, Washington’s directorial debut went unsung. Likewise, George Clooney, who made his directorial debut with Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind has found few takers. While Washington can blame the studio for not knowing the art of monopolising Academy Awards, Clooney does not have this excuse. Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind has been produced by Miramax — a veteran at securing nominations for its films. This year alone, Miramax has 40 nominations. But the one nomination Clooney was looking for is missing.
While everyone associated with Chicago (13 nominations) has come to the Oscar party, Richard Gere finds himself out of favour. Leonardo DiCaprio has been ignored once again despite his role in Gangs Of New York. Also missing out are Insomnia, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets and 25th Hour.

So, where do the people who have missed out this year go from here? Well, they will just try again. After all, whether reel life or real life, there’s always a next time!