Almost 20 years after its release, director Richard Curtis is still fuming that Will Ferrell never got nominated for an Oscar for his role in Elf.
Curtis- who directed films such as Love Actually and Bridget Jones’ Diary but didn’t actually have anything to do with Elf, said comedy films are often overlooked at awards shows.
"I always get very antsy about the fact that Will Ferrell didn't get nominated for Elf," he told reporters at the Oscar Wilde Awards in Los Angeles.
He also claimed that the late Peter Sellers was also snubbed for failing to get a nomination for his role as Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther movies, according to the BBC.
“But it’s the price you pay, as it were,” he added. Comedies tend to make a bit of money, and then you don’t get the prizes.”
Curtis is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences- the organization responsible for deciding the winners of the annual award show- and insisted he would have nominated Ferrell for an Oscar for his performance in the festive classic had he been given the chance back in 2003.
“I think it’s a real issue that comedy isn’t respected as much… but I do try and push for comedy performances whenever I can,” he added.
The Oscars have faced criticism for years over their lack of support for comedies, with just three films- Sunshine, City Slickers, and A Fish Called Wanda- scooping up a Best Actor or Best Supporting Actor award over the past 40 years.
But while Ferrell may never have received industry recognition for his performance as the Christmas-loving elf Buddy, Curtis is far from alone in believing the actor should have gotten an Oscar nom for his work on the film.
One Twitter user wrote: “Will Ferrell as buddy the elf is a perfect, sincere performance. If this was a drama, he would have won an Oscar for this role. I don’t know if that’s too hot a take. In my eyes- it’s flawless.”
Many other users expressed the same sentiment. “Will Ferrell should have won an Oscar for Elf,” another wrote. “You can’t tell me that’s not the best performance of 2003.”
“Most Christmas movies are shite but Elf is an elite piece of cinema. Will Ferrell was robbed of his Oscar that year,” said another.
“I've been boycotting the Oscars since Will Ferrell got snubbed for best actor for Elf,” another admitted.
Others, meanwhile, were a bit more even-handed in their praise.
“Just watched 'Elf' for the first time in a while. Some thoughts: Will Ferrell should have won an Oscar for his role. Utter brilliance. Zoey Deschanel's character is a total delight.
“The rest of it is a rather uninspiring and unconvincing attempt at a Christmas movie.”
.jpg_uectls?tr=h-184)
.jpg_vOvPo8?tr=h-184)
.jpg_PwXmKg?tr=h-184)
