Clinton Eastwood might just have another Oscar-winning film on his hands. The only thing that could stand in his way, though, is the liberal Academy.
“American Sniper,” which stars Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, will be released in January 2015, just in time for awards season.
Directed by Eastwood, the film chronicles the military career of real-life Iraq War veteran Chris Kyle, who killed more people than any other soldier.
Though Eastwood’s films always generate excitement — think “Million Dollar Baby” — Hollywood insiders believe the film may have difficulty winning big prizes because of the liberal Academy that votes to determine the Oscars victors.
“They’d have to change the logic of the entire votership because these red-state, red-bait movies have got to appeal to L.A. and New York — and that’s going to be tough,” explained an unnamed individual who The Hollywood Reporter dubbed a “rival awards campaigner.” “This lefty crowd isn’t going to gather around a Navy SEAL best known for killing people.”
However, The Hollywood Reporter’s Stephen Galloway still believes “American Sniper” can walk away with a big prize, if it follows these steps:
Second, they should make Sniper part of the current debate on sending forces back to Iraq to take on the Islamic State. The movie shows the price one war hero paid; do we want other heroes killed, too?
Third, get endorsements — not from the obvious, the Colin Powells or military vets who will only alienate the Academy, but from war activists who see Kyle’s life as a lesson for others.
All this will help. But only one thing can close the deal: Clint himself.
If anyone can convince the liberal Academy of a film’s greatness, it’s the undeniably talented Clint Eastwood.
