![Gal Gadot was snubbed by the Oscars [image courtesy Gage Skidmore/wikimedia commons]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/1/23/660x290/b_502x220x82/gal-gadot-was-snubbed-by-the-oscars-image-courtesy-gage-skidmore-wikimedia-commons_1792503.jpg "Gal Gadot was snubbed by the Oscars [image courtesy Gage Skidmore/wikimedia commons]")
“Wonder Woman” was one of the best films of 2017. The origin story of the iconic superhero was inspiring and well crafted. The fact that the movie had the gloriously beautiful and capable Gal Gadot in the title role was not bad either. The film featured a woman who, among other things, proved that the term “no man’s land” did not apply to her.
However, with all of Hollywood’s posturing about making things right for women, in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, “Wonder Woman” got not one nomination, not for best picture, not for best director for Patty Jenkins, and particularly not for best actress in a leading role for Gal Gadot.
The film did not even get a nod for any of the technical Oscars such a Special Effects or cinematography. How could this be?
Was it the fact that 'Wonder Woman' is a superhero movie?
The Academy Awards have traditionally not been kind to special effects-laden fantasy or science fiction blockbusters. The last such movie that won best picture was “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” in 2003. Looking back, the last film of the Tolkien trilogy was the only one of its type that has ever won an Oscar for best picture. None of the “Star Wars” movies nor even:”2001: A Space Odyssey” got the nod.
Yet it can be argued that “Wonder Woman” exceeded the genre and approached the heights of pure art.
The story was about how a super being, knowing that humankind was capable of great evil, as occurred with great regularity in the First World War, was still worth fighting for, inspired by the love of a particular man and his giving that last full measure of devotion toward the end of the film. The movie also had some sly commentary about relations between the sexes and how a strong woman can gain respect no matter what the prevailing culture is.
Was there another reason?
One hesitates to look for more unsavory reasons for why “Wonder Woman” was snubbed. However, one has to remember that before the film was released, it was the recipient of some snark on social media because of its lead actress. Gal Gadot is an Israeli and served in that country’s army as a weapons instructor.
Because of Gadot’s nationality, “Wonder Woman” is banned in a number of Muslim countries. Of course, the other reason may be that a powerful woman smiting men right and left while wearing a revealing costume is contrary to sharia law.
The nightmare that must have faced those at the Academy was the spectacle of Gadot accepting her Academy Award and then the Middle East erupting in rage. Of course, one should never assume that the entertainment industry would be motivated by crass politics (he wrote with tongue firmly implanted in cheek).
