Ridley Scott is a legendary filmmaker whose career spans more than 50 years and 29 films. Yet, despite his iconic status and several critically acclaimed movies, the Academy Award for Best Director has never found its way into his hands. Even some of his most celebrated works, such as Alien and Blade Runner, did not earn him nominations in the directing category, likely due to mixed critical responses upon their release. However, with the upcoming Gladiator II hitting theaters on November 22nd, 2024, the question arises: Could this be the film that finally earns him the elusive Oscar?
Scott came closest to Oscar glory in 2001 when Gladiator took home the Best Picture award, although he lost the Best Director accolade to Steven Soderbergh for Traffic. Many still debate whether Soderbergh's win was justified, but Traffic remains a landmark achievement in his career. The following year, Scott was again in contention with Black Hawk Down, only to lose to Ron Howard for A Beautiful Mind. More recently, The Martian (2015) was widely expected to secure him a nomination, if not a win, yet Scott was overlooked, and the film ended up being his last to date with a Best Picture nod.
Now, all eyes are on Gladiator II, a sequel to one of Scott's most successful films. Early reactions have been promising, with some insiders, such as Variety's Steven Gaydos, noting that the buzz around the film is quite strong. Gaydos reported that those who have seen early screenings are optimistic about its awards potential, predicting that it will be a “serious, legitimate contender in all major awards categories.” Given Scott's age—he is now 87—there is a sense of urgency and sentiment in the air that this could be his last, best shot at securing the industry's top directing honor.
The film is expected to be a grand epic, building upon the legacy of the original with a new story set in ancient Rome. The cast features Paul Mescal, who stars as Lucius, the nephew of the original film's protagonist, Maximus. Alongside him are prominent actors like Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, whose involvement brings added star power and credibility to the project. The script is written by David Scarpa, and Hans Zimmer returns to compose the score, ensuring continuity with the first film's acclaimed elements.
Scott is known for his productivity and commitment to filmmaking. In addition to Gladiator II, he is already planning his next projects, including a Bee Gees biopic, an adaptation of Kevin McMullin's short story BOMB, and the Wall Street thriller Big Dogs. He's even contemplating a Gladiator III. This impressive work ethic not only shows his passion but also his desire to continue crafting cinematic experiences, Oscar or not.
Ridley Scott has always been a filmmaker who blends technical prowess with a deep understanding of storytelling. While the lack of an Oscar for Best Director is a glaring omission in his decorated career, it has not diminished his legacy. If Gladiator II delivers on its promise, it could be the perfect culmination of his life's work—a reward not just for a single film but for a lifetime dedicated to the craft.
Do you think Gladiator II will finally earn Ridley Scott his long-deserved Oscar, or will he be overlooked once again?
