The Oscars Will Honor James Bond with a Tribute (but Probably Not Any Actual Oscars)

When a film not only grosses over a billion dollars globally AND is a massive hit with the critics, you would expect there to be some Oscar buzz about the film. I mean, Avatar made a ton of money while not even having an original plot and it got an Best Picture nomination. For some reason, though, when the Academy announces the nominations for the 85th Oscars on Thursday, Skyfall will most likely be missing from the list of Best Picture nominees. Up until the big announcement, we can all pretend the Academy will surprise us and show the latest James Bond film some love, but from what I've heard, there's pretty much zero chance that happens.

While other movies (some that the average moviegoer has never heard of) will get to celebrate being nominated for Best Picture on Oscar night, the James Bond franchise will get the Academy's equivalent of a participation award. On Friday, the Academy announced that it will honor the series at the upcoming Oscars. From producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron:

"We are very happy to include a special sequence on our show saluting the Bond films on their 50th birthday. Starting with Dr. No back in 1962, the 007 movies have become the longest-running motion picture franchise in history and a beloved global phenomenon."

So congrats, James Bond franchise, you just delivered one of the best films of the year, both financially and critically. Here's your certificate. Now go away, we have to go talk to the big kid movies now.