Despite crushing box office records and earning more than $400 million, “American Sniper” won just one Academy Award Sunday night after being nominated for six awards.
The Clint Eastwood-directed film was up for best picture and Bradley Cooper, who played American sharpshooter Chris Kyle, was in the running for best actor.
Neither won, which is astounding, given that “American Sniper” is now considered the most successful war film ever made. Instead, the film won the best sound editing category.
(Photo: YouTube screen capture)
Since it premiered in late December, the film has grossed a worldwide total of $428 million. The film that beat it for best picture, “Birdman,” hasn’t come close to those numbers, making a mere $76 million since it came out in August.
And, for an awards show, things turned political in Hollywood Sunday night.
When Patricia Arquette won best supporting actress, she dedicated her speech to equal wages for women. “Birdman” director Alejandro Iñárritu referenced immigration during his time on stage. And John Legend and Common won an Oscar for their song “Glory,” which is about the civil rights movement and is on the soundtrack for “Selma.”
So why was “American Sniper” shut out at the Oscars? Because Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller passed a fake baby back and forth? Come on. (RELATED: Seth Rogen Just Said WHAT About ‘American Sniper’?)
Fans of the film voiced their outrage on Twitter Sunday night.
Today is not a good day. Still mad about American Sniper, it’s -6 degrees out, and I got a full 40 minutes of sleep last night.
— Nerdy MI Girl (@mi_nerdgirl) February 23, 2015
I’m very upset that American Sniper did not win more. That was the movie of the year
— Morgan Windish (@mwindish8) February 23, 2015
I’m really pissed American sniper didn’t win best picture. I mean nbd it’s only selling the box office out like Star Wars but cool
— t ◟̽◞̽ @happilouly (@hopelessopuslou) February 23, 2015
Shocking…Hollywood shut out American Sniper from winning any awards…
— JT (@irishjay) February 23, 2015
I’ll take the respect of Patriots, Veterans and their families over your applause any day #Oscars #AmericanSniper pic.twitter.com/Z4ISA6pyvE
— SLW ن (@Freedom4Dummies) February 23, 2015
The Oscars are a sad joke, very much like our President. So many things are wrong!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 23, 2015
It may not have won best picture, but clearly “American Sniper” won over America. Sorry, Hollywood. (RELATED: ‘American Sniper’ Absolutely CRUSHES It At The Box Office)
