Martin Scorcese Demands Write-In For Hugo’s Blackie in Doggie Oscars
Martin Scorcese is responsible for some of the most influential and well-made films in modern memory- Goodfellas, Casino– but his most recent effort, Hugo, has a less gangsta cast. And the cinematic legend is pulling for his talent in a Los Angeles Times editorial.
Scorcese has also had recent success on the small screen with HBO’s Boardwalk Empire– but the director’s most current hit is the film Hugo, starring Blackie the Doberman. And having worked so closely with Blackie during the making of Hugo, Scorcese was understandably gutted when the canine was passed over- brutally snubbed- for this year’s first Golden Collar Awards, not receiving a nomination for Best Dog in a Theatrical Film.
Yes, apparently, the Golden Collar Awards are a thing, and Best Dog in a Theatrical Film is indeed a category. And in his piece for the LA Times, Scorcese details his disappointment at Blackie’s disinclusion when he heard the nominations:
“I listened in vain for Blackie’s name to be called, and then to all the hullabaloo over a certain Jack Russell terrier named Uggie. Actually, Uggie is so adorable that he received two nominations for two separate pictures. Well done.”
Scorcese continues:
“OK, let’s lay all our cards on the table. Jack Russell terriers are small and cute. Dobermans are enormous and — handsome. More tellingly, Uggie plays a nice little mascot who does tricks and saves his master’s life in one of the films, while Blackie gives an uncompromising performance as a ferocious guard dog who terrorizes children. I’m sure you can see what I’m driving at.”
The filmmaker concludes:
“In short, I protest the omission of Blackie the Doberman from the first Golden Collar nominations. Moreover, I encourage all Times readers to make their preference known to the editors of Dog News Daily by write-in ballot and give Blackie the nomination she so richly deserves.”
Have you seen Martin Scorcese’s Hugo? Is he overestimating Blackie’s talent, or should the dog get a steak and a statue?
