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?
