Did They Get it Right? – Best Director – Oscars 1963

Here are the five nominees: (Winner in Bold)

Federico Fellini (8½)

Elia Kazan (America, America)

Otto Preminger (The Cardinal)

Tony Richardson (Tom Jones)
Martin Ritt (Hud)

Biggest Snub:

Joseph L. Mankiewicz – Cleopatra

My Overall Thoughts:

This was a pretty weak year IMHO for nominees and Kazan and Ricahrdson were neck and neck after wins at the Globes and DGA

My Rankings:

Directing

5. Martin Ritt 
4. Tony Richardson
3. Otto Preminger
2. Federico Fellini 
1. Elia Kazan

Movies

5. Tom Jones – Boring movie. Cant understand how it won Best picture. Stay away
4. Hud – Not the most entertaining story, but great performances by the four main actors.
3. 8½ – Interesting idea that is a bit too surreal for my own personal taste. I know that Fellini is considered a master of film making and some of the ideas used here are enjoyable to watch, but the story itself comes across as being way too confusing and strange. I’m not surprised that he got a Best Director nomination at the Oscars and that this film managed to win Best Foreign Film, but that still doesn’t change the fact that much of this story is completely incomprehensible.
2. The Cardinal – Preminger tells an epic tale that is more under appreciated that it probably should be. Those more familiar with the Catholic religion probably will get even more out of this than those of us who don’t.
1. America, America – Really liked how this film started out and slowly evolves over the course of the film which shows how Kazan is truly an exceptional film maker. The story flowed really well and we get to see the main character evolve both emotionally and physically throughout the course of the film. The message that a dream can help sustain someone through hardships is explored really well here. My one complaint is that parts drag on a bit and as inspiring as the story is, it’s a bit too long for its own good.

Do I agree with the Oscar winner? – Not at all!  I’m not a fan of TJ at all and any of the others would have been  much better choice in this category save for Hud.

Let me know what you think about these films and my rankings!