Oscar Week ’08: Revisting Best Picture of 2006 – The Departed

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It took six tries and over 2 1/2 decades for Martin Scorsese to win big at the Oscars.

It wasn’t without trying either. Half of Scorsese’s six nominations were each released two years part: Gangs of New York (2002), The Aviator (2004), and The Departed (2006).

One could argue that he probably should have won an Oscar for one of his first three nominations: Raging Bull, The Last Temptation of Christ, and Goodfellas.

The Departed was the film that last year finally won the Best Picture Oscar (and give Scorsese his Best Director award). It could be argued that it was a sympathy award, however I think it can be agreed that The Departed is one of the best films Scorsese has directed.

It’s probably not his overall best film and he definitely deserved the Oscar earlier, but The Departed was definitely deserving of its Oscar.

Tomorrow, I will give my thoughts on the various Oscar hosts over the years.

Sean Patrick Kelly

Sean Patrick Kelly is a Toronto-based freelance film critic and blogger with a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Media Studies from York University. Since founding his site in 2004, Sean has shared his passion for cinema through insightful reviews and commentary. His work has also been featured in prominent outlets, including Toronto Film Scene, HuffPost Canada, Screen Anarchy, ScreenRant, and Rue Morgue Magazine.