Why Zach Galifianakis Was Robbed of an Oscar Nom

By Mike Ryan Posted Feb 4th 2010 08:08AM

Why is it so difficult for actors playing a comedic role to be recognized? Almost universally, actors agree that comedy is the harder genre to master than drama. If that's true, why doesn't the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences think so when they hand out their Oscar nominations every year? Basically, this is just our convoluted way of saying: Zach Galifianakis ... you were robbed! Our reasons why after the jump.

Look at the list of nominees this year. The closest thing to a comedy nomination is Meryl Streep's Best Actress nod for her performance of Julia Child in 'Julie & Julia,' though it's quite a stretch to call that a comedy. Wasn't the inclusion of an extra five films for Best Picture supposed to open the doors for other genres? Sure, it did open the door for weepy, "no one believed in me," football-themed dramas. What about comedy? What happened to the supposed revolution of comedy 32 years ago when 'Annie Hall' swept the Oscars? 'The Hangover' -- in no way are we comparing 'Annie Hall' and 'The Hangover' ... but we kinda are -- is one of the most successful comedies of all time and won a Golden Globe for Best Musical or Comedy. And it couldn't even sniff one of the 10 nominations? Fine, but Galifianakis carried this film. If Robert Downey Jr. could be nominated for a pretty overrated performance in 'Tropic Thunder,' this year Galifianakis should have been a shoo-in.

Zach's 'Hangover' Highlights
(Warning: Foul Language)

Look, Christoph Waltz from 'Inglourious Basterds' is, deservedly, going to win Best Supporting Actor. That's a given. Would it have been that hard to recognize one comedic performance as a token gesture? Especially, for the second year running (Heath Ledger was a lock last year), where no other actor has a chance to win? Really, Academy, you're going to make poor Matt Damon schlep all the way over to the Kodak Theater just to watch Waltz give his acceptance speech? Don't you think Woody Harrelson has more recreational things to do with his time? (Admittedly, Harrelson was fantastic in 'The Messenger.') Do you know what would have been great to see walking the red carpet this year? A shaggy bearded, preferably pantless, Zach Galifianakis. That's who.

Historically, Oscar is not a friend to comedy. This was all supposed to change when Woody Allen and Diane Keaton won Oscars for 1977's 'Annie Hall.' 'Hall'-type comedies were green lit at a blistering pace. Of course, the next three Best Picture winners were the not quite as funny: 'The Deer Hunter,' 'Kramer Vs. Kramer' and 'Ordinary People.'

In the last 10 years, only three comedic acting roles were honored with an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor: Thomas Haden Church in 'Sideways' (not entirely a comedy), Alan Arkin, who won for 'Little Miss Sunshine,' and the aforementioned Downey in 'Tropic Thunder.' That's three out of 50 total nominations! And forget about Best Picture: Only 'Juno,' 'Little Miss Sunshine,' 'Sideways' and, for unintentional purposes only, 'Crash,' could be considered comedies.

Galifianakis can take solace in the curious case of Jim Carrey. He wasn't just nominated for two consecutive Golden Globe acting awards -- for 'The Truman Show' and 'Man on the Moon' -- he actually won in back-to-back years. Carey, however, is still waiting for his first Academy Award nomination.

So, we feel for you, Zach. You carried 'The Hangover' on your shoulders and made it the highest grossing R-rated comedy of all time. It's just apparent that, unfortunately, the Academy doesn't have much of a sense of humor. And, if it does, maybe it just doesn't appreciate the old taser to the face gag.

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Zach Galifianakis Snapshots

The mightily-bearded Zach Galifianakis is seen here on the set of 'Due Date,' which he's shooting alongside Robert Downey Jr. Click for More Zach Pics >>>

RADCLIFFE/bauergriffinonline.com

Zach Galifianakis Snapshots

©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Actor Robert Downey Jr. takes a break on set of his upcoming film "Due Date" and makes grand gestures with his left arm while his right is all plastered up. Picture Shows: Zach Galifianakis EXCLUSIVE December 4, 2009 Job: 91204X6 Los Angeles, California www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

Zach Galifianakis Snapshots

WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Actor Zach Galifianakis arrives at the premiere of Paramount Pictures' "Up In The Air" held at Mann Village Theatre on November 30, 2009 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Zach Galifianakis

Zach Galifianakis Snapshots

Actors Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis attend Oceana's 2009 Partners Award gala on November 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Oceana's 2009 Partners Award Gala Los Angeles, CA United States November 20, 2009 Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic.com To license this image (58975311), contact FilmMagic.com

Zach Galifianakis Snapshots

Actor Zach Galifianakis attends Oceana's 2009 Partners Award gala on November 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Oceana's 2009 Partners Award Gala Los Angeles, CA United States November 20, 2009 Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic.com To license this image (58974928), contact FilmMagic.com

Zach Galifianakis Snapshots

Actor Zach Galifianakis arrives for Oceana's 2009 Partners Award Gala on November 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Oceana's 2009 Partners Award Gala - Arrivals Los Angeles, CA United States November 20, 2009 Photo by Kristian Dowling/WireImage.com To license this image (58974854), contact WireImage.com

Zach Galifianakis Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Actress January Jones poses with Zach Galifianakis at the Oceana's 2009 Partners Award Gala on November 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** January Jones;Zach Galifianakis

Zach Galifianakis Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Actors Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis arrives at the Oceana's 2009 Partners Award Gala on November 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ted Danson;Zach Galifianakis

Zach Galifianakis Snapshots

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Comments

(82)

Thursday 04 February

By leroy

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Zack was`nt robbed.He just doesnt deserve to be nominated..UH UH UH ..FIRST !!! YEAHHHH WHAT ?? WHAT ??

By w1shxuxnew6

yep

By minorlabia19

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I can't believe "Away WE Go" didn't get nominated! What is this "Avatar" fuss all about, anyway?

By phurbee951

The Hangover didn't have a chance. There's nothing politically correct or controversial about it. It was about four white guys. It's a miracle it even got released.

Friday 05 February

By Mark

When they remake it in about 15yrs with 4 blk guys, that's when it will win an Academy Award.........Just sayin'

By Kay

what is with the race thing? movies are movies and we all have the option of seeing them or NOT. I certainly hope people are not seeing movies based on race. that is stupid. there have been great movies involving all races and this criteria shouldn't be the reason one goes to watch.

By Welcome Henrys

I disagree I'm black and this is one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time.

By MarthanotGeorge

He was a wonder in this role, not just for the delivery of his lines, but also for how he stood and positioned his body when he wasn't speaking at all.

By Rob

If they're going to throw out all credibility by nominating Sandra Bullock then they should have nominated Zach Galifinakis too.

By Jordan

I agree! Zach made that movie! Every time he spoke or did something, I laughed my butt off! He is definitely a very talented man!

By a man

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Zach is an amazing stand-up, but I didn't see the movie so I can't say if he was any good or not. The few times where I have seen him act, he sucked. Buy one of his stand-up DVD's and you'll see what I mean. His stand-up act is great, but then he does these little side bits and tries to act. He's horrible. That's why I didn't bother going to see "The Hangover".

By Me

I thought the Academy lost credibility a long time ago... does anyone even watch this show ?

By Jason

Maybe he received nomination votes, maybe he didn't. The fact remains there are 5 other men who had more votes than anyone else. They received the nominations. Quit the whining. A year or two down the road, most people don't remember this nonsense anyway.

By Scraps

I thought The Hangover was great, but I didn't think Galifinakis was as great as some people made him out to be.

By Sue

What happened to paying your "dues" first

By OSBORNE

Zach has been in the business for about 20 years--he's paid his dues-thank you very much. He's stuck in there and is only now receiving some notice of his huge talent. I have know Zach and his parents for a lot of years-he went to school with my kids. I know what he's gone through and he's a very hard working, talented man. Unless you know of what you speak--hold your tongue.

By grey

Vote down Vote up Report this

Try 13 years when this film was released, Ozzie (and nothing really major). BFD. Maybe he came in 6th place...that's just how it goes. Hope the writer isn't losing any sleep over this MAJOR snub!!

By JP

The Academy Awards should not be about "dues". It should be about what was the best of that year. This "dues" nonsense, along with giving the award to people because they should have gotten one years ago is bogus. Look at what came out that year, and judge it for that year. All other consideration invalidates the entire event.

By Gotu

Pointless article. Mr Ryan, you never even listed the reasons why Galifianakis was "robbed." Not saying he wasn't, but I dont see it in the article. Why in your opinion did he deserve a spot over the five nominated actors?

Although Zack is certainly the gem of the movie, the simple fact is it was a supporting role in an average movie. hilarious movie, but average. nothing original.

Saturday 06 February

By will

I agree

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