6) The Hateful Eight – Best Director/Best Picture/Best Original Screenplay
Eight features in and Tarantino is as divisive as ever, wowing audiences with a unique directorial style that offends as much as entertains. Some dismissed Tarantino’s latest feature for its long running time and portrayal of racism, but The Hateful Eight is still leagues above the majority of other films released this year.
Apparently, the Academy doesn’t agree though, shutting Tarantino out of high profile categories such as Best Director, Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. Despite the controversial nature of his films, Tarantino has been consistently loved by the Academy in the past, receiving an award for Django Unchained’s screenplay juts a few short years ago.
If it’s any consolation, Jennifer Jason Leigh has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress, after being overlooked for far too long. The Hateful Eight may also walk away with awards for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score on the night, although it’s a shame Samuel L. Jackson wasn’t considered for his lead role in the film. If nothing else, that disturbing flashback story featuring the naked man in the snow should have automatically given him a nomination!
