OK, when you read the letter in question, you might not think it is all that offensive (especially if you read what I write here on this site), but The Academy is taking it very seriously. Nicolas Chartier, one of the producers of Oscar nominee The Hurt Locker, sent out a blast email to everyone and anyone encouraging them to support his movie instead of, "a $500M film."
Of course, the reference to a $500 Million film is a shot at fellow Best Picture nominee Avatar.
In the past few years, The Academy has tried to crack down on Oscar campaigning in an attempt to maintain civility and focus voters' attention on quality rather than glitz and spin. In accordance with the rules, Chartier and The Hurt Locker team might have some tickets to the Oscars taken away, which is a big deal.
However, the biggest punishment is the negative publicity this has brought to The Hurt Locker's campaign as we enter the final days of Oscar voting. It's akin to an October Surprise in presidential politics.
Will Chartier's actions cost The Hurt Locker support? If Inglourious Basterds pulls off an upset on March 7 (and Hollywood buzz has been indicating it might), will Chartier be pummeled by his fellow producers?
