Oscars give 'Star Wars' grudging respect

The first Star Wars movie did remarkably well at the Oscars, winning six awards — for sound, original score, film editing, visual effects, set decoration and costume design. It also scored nominations for best supporting actor (Alec Guinness), best director (George Lucas), best original screenplay (also Lucas) and best picture. After that, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences cooled significantly to Mr. Lucas and his droids. The Empire Strikes Back won one Oscar (best sound), but the other four films won nothing — and scored precious few nominations. Still, the franchise does get some belated love with this year’s official Academy Awards poster, shown here. It was designed by Drew Struzan, the veteran poster illustrator who made the one-sheets for all six of the Star Wars films. (Struzan’s son Christian executed this design.) Read more about Drew Struzan’s work here. The 80th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 24, and will proceed now that the writers’ strike didn’t sink it like the Titanic (best picture, 1998).

—Posted by Tim Nudd

February 15, 2008 in Oscars | Permalink