Thelma Schoonmaker, the esteemed editor and long-time collaborator of cinematic legend Martin Scorsese, has voiced her opinion on the director’s somewhat underwhelming Oscar haul, asserting that he merits far more recognition than his solitary Academy Award for Best Director.
Martin Scorsese Deserves More Oscars
In a candid interview with DiscussingFilm, Schoonmaker expressed her belief that Scorsese’s contributions to cinema warrant a minimum of seven Oscars for Best Director. She attributed the lack of recognition to the director’s penchant for creating unconventional and thought-provoking films that may challenge the sensibilities of some Academy voters.
“Marty should have won at least seven,” Schoonmaker stated unequivocally. “The films are sometimes very unusual. People are sometimes not used to it, or they resist it, or [resist] voting for it.”
Scorsese’s directorial prowess has been acknowledged by the Academy on eight occasions, each time in the Best Director category. However, the coveted award has eluded him seven times, with his sole triumph coming for the 2006 crime thriller “The Departed.” His other nominations include masterpieces like “Raging Bull,” “Taxi Driver,” “Goodfellas,” “Gangs of New York,” “The Aviator,” “Hugo,” and “Silence.”
Schoonmaker believes that Scorsese’s films often push the boundaries of conventional filmmaking, challenging audiences to engage with complex themes and unconventional storytelling techniques. This approach, while undoubtedly enriching the cinematic landscape, may not always resonate with the Academy’s voting body.
“I think a lot of people don’t understand his films,” Schoonmaker explained. “They’re not easy films. They’re not popcorn films. They’re films that make you think.”
Despite the lack of Oscar recognition, Scorsese remains firmly established as one of cinema’s most revered and influential figures. His directorial genius has given birth to numerous cinematic gems, including the aforementioned “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” “Goodfellas,” “Gangs of New York,” and “The Departed.”
Schoonmaker’s impassioned defense of Scorsese’s work is bound to reignite the debate surrounding his legacy and the Academy Awards. However, one thing remains undeniable: Martin Scorsese is a cinematic master whose indelible mark on the art form will continue to inspire and challenge audiences for generations to come.
