After 20 years, Michelle Williams is simply as confused as the remainder of us by a significant Academy Award injustice.
The 5x Oscar nominee not too long ago questioned why the Academy snubbed her 2005 Ang Lee-helmed homosexual western Brokeback Mountain, which infamously misplaced the Finest Image trophy to Paul Haggis’ Crash.
“I imply, what was Crash?” Williams requested on Watch What Occurs Stay whereas discussing the movie’s continued impression.
“Folks had been so open about it,” she recalled. “I simply keep in mind doing the junket. You don’t actually get a chance to see lots of grown males cry. That was the second that I feel that all of us knew that it was going to be particular.
Brokeback Mountain starred Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as ranch hand Ennis Del Mar and rodeo cowboy Jack Twist, who start a 20-year love affair whereas herding sheep collectively in 1963.
Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams in ‘Brokeback Mountain’ (2005) (Focus Options/Courtesy Everett Assortment)
After the movie’s snub initially sparked backlash in Hollywood, and was even unofficially re-voted as Finest Image in 2015, Lee blamed the loss on the Academy’s homophobia final 12 months.
“Again then, [Brokeback Mountain] had a ceiling,” he instructed IndieWire in March 2024. “We obtained lots of assist — as much as that a lot. It has that feeling. I wasn’t holding a grudge or something. It’s simply how they had been.”
Incomes her first Oscar nomination for Finest Supporting Actress, Williams performed Ledger’s spouse Alma. The movie additionally starred Anne Hathaway, Linda Cardellini, Kate Mara, David Harbour, Anna Faris and Randy Quaid.
Brokeback Mountain in the end received Finest Director for Lee, Finest Tailored Screenplay for Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossana and Finest Authentic Rating for Gustavo Santaolalla. Along with Finest Image and Finest Supporting Actress, the movie was nominated for Finest Actor for Ledger, Finest Supporting Actor for Gyllenhaal and Finest Cinematography for Rodrigo Prieto.
