"The Dark Knight" and the potential stupidity of the Academy

Let me preface this: My father is a member of the Academy. I love him dearly. I have visited the Academy's headquarters in Hollywood with him. I have respect for a lot of what they do.

But let me just say this: If "Wall-E" or "Dark Knight" (preferably "Dark Knight") isn't nominated for a Best Picture Oscar the morning of Thursday, January 22, let's just say that the Academy is incredibly stupid.

For years, I have been hearing all the stories about how the Academy wants to get people to actually watch their special show. Come watch the Oscars!, they would say. Glamorous people! Pretty clothes and fashion disasters! Come see!

They don't get it. They never really have, I guess. But let me give the Academy a little hint to their problem of getting people to watch their show: Two of the highest-rated Oscar shows had movies nominated for best picture that were jinormous blockbusters -- Titanic back for 1998's show, and 2003 for Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Last year, where almost none of the films broke $100 million (the only one that had that honor was Juno), the ratings were horrible.

See, Academy? Take the hint: big box-office earners mean more viewers tune in to see if their favorite film won.

Mind you, not all years have something like "The Dark Knight": a movie that not only had great action sequences and was valuable entertainment, but really got to the very heart and soul of people. It had something to say, and yet said it in an amazing and breathtaking way. It is the second-highest grossing film of all time for a reason, and it wasn't just because Heath Ledger was dead (and if that man doesn't win an Oscar, anybody who works at the Academy building should hide the following Monday. I smell rioting fans).

But I keep hearing from the critics, "But it isn't prestige enough! It's not a typical award-winning film! Put in 'Benjamin Button'!" No offense to Mr. Button, since I haven't seen it yet, but I am reluctant because I usually find Brad Pitt as engaging as a doormat.

Let me just say something for prestige in this regard: It doesn't factor into what people remember, what touches them. If a film is beautiful yet so far removed, I don't think anyone will care. If a story engages them and takes them on this incredible journey, like many moviegoers went through Gotham City -- then they will never forget and keep talking about it for years to come, telling their grandchildren where they were when they saw this incredible feat of art and history.

Try that in 10 years, when you watch "Doubt" again.