The Untold Truth Of Mars Attacks!

"Mars Attacks!" received mixed marks from critics upon its initial release. The Academy Awards have a long-standing hesitancy towards recognizing science fiction material. Taken together, these facts meant that Tim Burton's eccentric movie had slim chances of scoring some Oscars love. But there was still some hope that this feature might manage to snag a sliver of glory through its fully-digital Martians, who might, many thought, be impressive enough to warrant a Best Visual Effects nomination.

This dream looked like it might become a reality when, in January 1997, Variety reported that "Mars Attacks!" was one of seven movies shortlisted for nomination in the Best Visual Effects category, alongside the likes of "Mission: Impossible" and "The Nutty Professor." At the time, shortlisted titles were whittled down to three final nominees, who would then compete for the Best Visual Effects Oscar. Given that Burton's "Batman Returns" had been nominated for this award in 1992, these hopes weren't unprecedented within Burton's idiosyncratic body of work. A golden trophy for "Mars Attacks!" really did seem possible, within this brief window of optimism.

Sadly, "Mars Attacks!" made it no further in the Oscar race. When the official nominees for Best Visual Effects at the 69^th Academy Awards were announced, "Independence Day," "Twister," and "Dragonheart" made it in, but not "Mars Attacks!" Thus, this feature's brief flirtation with the Oscars came to an unceremonious end.