Oscar Watch: Is Michael Jackson the Heath Ledger of 2009?

By Tricia Romano Posted Oct 30th 2009 02:00PM

We already know that death sometimes pays off for artists. In Michael Jackson's case, death is paying off in dollars ($20 million worldwide so far), but will it pay off in pretty gold statuettes? Elizabeth Taylor might have been a tad hyperbolic when she Tweeted: "It is the single most brilliant piece of filmmaking I have ever seen. It cements forever Michael's genius in every aspect of creativity. If that weren't enough, she also said, "I truly believe this film should be nominated in every category conceivable."

Before you sniff at her assessment, consider: Google News tells us there's already 5,249 news stories for the search: "This Is It Oscar." Not only that, but Sony this week announced plans to submit the flick for several categories.

However, dreams of capturing the Best Documentary Oscar are already dashed -- as they missed the deadline. So, they are clearly aiming for some other possibilities: Best Sound, Film Editing, Best Director, and Best Picture.

But does it have any chance? Can the Heath Ledger effect carry over and nab Jackson an Oscar Posthumously?

Village Voice columnist Michael Musto doesn't think so. "I think Peter Finch and Heath Ledger are the only actors to win an Oscar posthumously, so it doesn't necessarily help your chances to be dead. It's actually better if you're ABOUT to be dead."

The Hollywood Reporter's Roger Friedman doesn't think it's likely, either. "I don't think there's a Heath Ledger effect. 'This Is It' is a celebrity documentary/concert film. And while I loved it, and it deserves a big audience, Oscar documentaries tend to be more serious -- they're usually about hunger, deprivation, poverty or the Holocaust. I'd much rather see Joe Berlinger's 'Crude' get into the final five. If anything, 'This Is It' should be celebrated at the Grammy Awards with some kind of special citation. And I have a feeling it will be."

Michael Musto doesn't think the flick has a chance in you-know-what: "This doesn't have a chance for a Best Picture nomination, mainly because a documentary has never gotten that kind of recognition, even something by that other God-fearing Michael, Mr. Moore. Even a FAUX documentary like 'Paranormal Activity' doesn't have a chance (And yes, despite popular supposition, that IS a separate movie from 'This is It')."

Now that the Best Pic category has been opened up to include 10 flicks, Musto is still skeptical. "I sincerely doubt 'This Is It' will get in there, though a Golden Globe nod seems inevitable, nyuck nyuck."

Musto isn't impressed by the Jackson family's willingness to exploit the dead singer. "Of course, if there was a statuette for slick exploitation, the trophy would be in the bag--though it would have to tie with the televised all-star memorial, Rabbi Schmouley's book, and Joe Jackson for announcing his new label when the body was barely cold."

Tags: Elizabeth Taylor, ElizabethTaylor, heath ledger, HeathLedger, michael jackson, MichaelJackson, this is it, ThisIsIt

Comments

(33)

Saturday 31 October

By LoveSnape

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Did you even read jj48isgreat's comments? Perhaps you should call yourself "readitlikeitis". "I myself don't judge". Perhaps you should fully read a comment before you respond. King Michael? Can you honestly compare work done by an actor to work done by a singer? Not really. Oh, excuse me an actor and a singer/whatever else you want him to be just short of a God.

Wednesday 11 November

By kris

christina, michael was the best . heath was ok with the batman movies and all i man i like heath alot but michael was the man ok much bettter than heat i agree with tommy

By jj48isgreat

I am not stating that he was a child molester, just that people believe that he was. That is enough for some to have his reputation tarnished forever. Heath was in Brokeback Mountain and he was not the only actor to portray a homosexual, yet he seems to be the only one who people believe was really a homosexual. I liked some of Michael's music, but I don't believe that he was a god. Heath wasn't either and my only point is that it is hard to change a reputation once it has been tarnished. You need to lighten up!

Monday 02 November

By Tell It Like It Is

To jj48isgreat & LoveSnape,
King Michael was a genius with a generous heart. He transformed the video and music industry in a manner unprecedented by any other entertainer. King Michael's career and merits span more than four decades. His accolades form a stairway to Heaven , where he rules.....musically speaking! He will be remembered by his family and fans in this manner. The allegations made were deemed unsubstantial. The families of both accusers were further found to be unscrupulous. Someone should admonish THEM. People should let fact and not rumor guide their thoughts. Michael Jackson is considered a musical "god" by fans who revere him. We celebrate his life, praise his talent, and mourn his untimely passing. God , Maker of Heaven and Earth Blessed him with certain skills. Yes Ms. LoveSnape God, if BOTH of you know the Lord, you should know the difference." This Is It " is a film. As such, it should qualify for film merit. King Michael is worthy of any award. Everyone doesn't have to be an avid MJ fan. However , noone can diminish his influence. This task can only be accomplished via dreams or in Batman and Robin fantasy land.

By me

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Oh dear, way to oversimplify and undermine MJ's achievements and putting him under a title umbrella with the name of an actor who clearly was talented and equally passionate as him but not as accomplished as him. Their names should not be said on the same breadth for first, simply their artistic crafts are different and second, MJ was far more a veteran with his career than Heath was and besides he is already so loved in many parts of the world this award or recognition would just be redundant and superfluous.

To me,

Let the awards he gets span another four decades. Never too much , never superfluous , King Michael LIVES!!!!!!!

Sunday 01 November

By joeycussack

I'm a big fan of both Heath Ledger and Michael Jackson. Heath Ledger had hype about his Joker performance wayyyyyyy before he died and I'm saying they were hyping him up around July 2007. I knew he would win an award for it even before I saw any clips of the movie. I heard the voice and it sold me. Heath Ledger's voice was unrecognizable in the teaser trailer and that was it for me. As for michael jackson, that man is so damn talented. He is one of the best singers and dancers the world has ever seen. So many imitators and so many haters. I watched the michael jackson movie on my birthday(which was the day it was released) and even at the age of 50 michael jackson still had his amazing talent like he had at his peak. Sure he wasn't going all out but if he hadn't died he would've shocked London. I've seen his rehearsals before and the final product and damn there's a vast difference. Long live Michael Jackson and Heath Ledger! They deserve every praise =]

oh and by the way Heath leder wasn't only just an actor. He was an aspiring director, painter, and photographer. He could also sing as well.

oh and by the way michael jackson wasn't only a singer. He was also a dancer, poet, choreographer, painter, producer, director, and writer.

Heath Ledger is one of the best actors. He has proved himself to be one of most versatile actors. Sure his movies weren't that highly praised prior to Brokeback and The Dark Knight but his acting felt so true to the character that it makes the movie. Heath Ledger is like a sponge when it came to roles. I loved his role in that one skating movie where he plays Skip. His versatility is just like Johnny Depp's. They are like a chameleon who can convince the audience that they are that character. I was very sad when I heard the news about Heath's passing as well as MJ. Both are a big inspiration to me. I highly respect their work and don't follow their personal lives. christian bale is another actor whom I respect very much. It's sad that his reputation is ruined because of the audio being leaked. Bale is getting bigger than ever and now people will only remember him as a jackass and the guy who is a terrible batman. If only people watched his work prior to batman. Anyway back to the topic.. Michael Jackson and Heath Ledger are both amazing artists and will be missed. You can't compare them. I think comparing art is foolish. Art is a very passionate dream and that's what Michael Jackson and Heath Ledger gave to the world. And both succeeded with high praises. Both will be remembered positively and negatively but in the end, they marked their name in the entertainment business as one of the best artists.

By How about this...

In regards to this question, the loss of great men and talent?, then yes Heath Ledger AND Michael Jackson, so in a sense yes to this article's question, HOWEVER, two completely different incredible people. I can't see how people couldn't agree with this-Heath Ledger created something unbelievable, to transform into that almost too perfect of a character, bringing to life more than our imaginations could ever muster up, AND, Heath was an incredible man who cared for people, he was gentle, kind, and an amazing man..Now Michael Jackson, he brought joy to people, that was his motives, he wanted peace and its a very respectable thing, it appears people have to take away this dream of his with possible rumors, now im not saying they weren't true, by why do people say they are when they themselves don't know, or ever will..two great men, badly missed, but forever remembered, and the joy they brought to us, which i know will live forever, you all better believe it too!

By krista

i saw the movie and loved it OMG it was the best

Tuesday 24 November

By Richard

This Is It, was not going to be a movie for wide release in the film industry. It was a recoup for the promoters who were out millions of dollars after putting up funds for the concert and Paying Michael an advance. The film itself was not ground breaking, just Michael and a bunch of performers rehearsing. Deserving of an Oscar? NO

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