Front-runner for most overlooked/under-appreciated category of filmmaking is editing. A well-edited film goes unnoticed amongst the majority of filmgoers (Black Swan, How To Train Your Dragon), while sometimes the game-changing editing sticks out (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, The Social Network), and then poor editing can further ruin a stinker (Iron Man 2, The Last Airbender).
Along with the Oscar nominations, each year the American Cinema Editors (ACE) aim to reward the best editing with the ACE Eddie Awards. Deadline notes that Christopher Nolan will receive the ACE Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award and that “no film has won Best Picture at the Oscars without also having received at least a Best Editing nomination since Ordinary People in 1981.” This year, the nominees have been revealed and you can see them below.
BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (DRAMATIC):
Black Swan
Andrew Weisblum, A.C.E.
The Fighter
Pamela Martin
Inception
Lee Smith, A.C.E.
The King’s Speech
Tariq Anwar
The Social Network
Angus Wall, A.C.E. & Kirk Baxter
BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (COMEDY OR MUSICAL):
Alice in Wonderland
Chris Lebenzon, A.C.E.
Easy A
Susan Littenberg
The Kids Are All Right
Jeffrey M. Werner
Made in Dagenham
Michael Parker
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
Jonathan Amos & Paul Machliss
BEST EDITED ANIMATED FEATURE FILM:
Despicable Me
Gregory Perler & Pam Ziegenhagen
How To Train Your Dragon
Maryann Brandon, A.C.E. & Darren T. Holmes, A.C.E.
Toy Story 3
Ken Schretzmann & Lee Unkrich, A.C.E.
BEST EDITED DOCUMENTARY:
Exit Through the Gift Shop
Tom Fulford & Chris King
Inside Job
Chad Beck & Adam Bolt
Waiting For “Superman”
Jay Cassidy, A.C.E., Greg Finton & Kim Roberts
Winners are announced at the February 19th ceremony.
Who do you think should win? What about for the editing Oscar?