Blade Runner 2049 was easily one of 2017's best films, even if it wasn't reflected in the lackluster box office numbers. Still, the sequel to Ridley Scott's 1982 sci-fi masterpiece, received its fair share of recognition from the Academy in the form of five Oscar nominations: Cinematography, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Visual Effects, and Production Design.
For director Denis Villeneuve, that's not enough. Speaking to CBC News, the Montreal-based film director said he was honored, but disappointed with some of the Academy's decisions, particularly with failing to recognize the soundtrack of his film.
"I think what [composers Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch] did for the movie, the score of the movie, was by far one of the best this year," Villeneuve said, referring to Blade Runner 2049 being snubbed in the Best Original Score category.
Villeneuve was also disappointed that the Academy only chose to recognize Blade Runner 2049 in the more technical "craft" categories, and not some of the bigger ones like Best Director or Best Picture. Villeneuve believes that could have something to do with Blade Runner 2049's mediocre box office numbers.
“It’s very uncommon for a movie that didn’t do well at the box office in the United States to get a nomination for best picture," the director offered
Despite the Oscar disappointment, Villeneuve is still incredibly proud of the film and the crew he worked work.
"As a film director I work very closely with those people to bring my vision to the screen, and I work with great artists and I owe them a lot," Villeneuve said.