SAG Awards 2014: Is 'The Wolf of Wall Street' still lying in wait?

SAG Awards 2014: Is ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ still lying in wait?

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James Gandolfini’s untimely death in June overshadowed his well-regarded final performance in Nicole Holofcener’s romantic comedy, so it was a surprise (though a welcome one) to see the actor honored posthumously with a nomination for supporting actor in a motion picture. (Lacey Terrell / AP)

By Mark Olsen

Dec. 11, 2013 2:53 PM PT

Among the more notable absences from Wednesday’s Screen Actors Guild award nominations was “The Wolf of Wall Street.” The highly anticipated film from director Martin Scorsese was blanked entirely, not receiving nominations for Leonardo DiCaprio in lead actor, Jonah Hill in supporting, or for outstanding performance by a cast. The film, which opens Christmas Day, has also been largely absent from the critics awards that have been coming out over the last week or so.

“Wolf” was seen by many as the last piece in the awards puzzle, the just-shy-of-three-hour movie first unspooling for press and various voting bodies less than two weeks ago. Whether it simply has still not been seen by enough people yet to gain momentum is unclear. (Another late-screening entry this year, “American Hustle,” began screening a beat or two ahead of “Wolf” and has already found its awards legs, scoring at the New York Film Critics Circle and the SAGs.)

So when the Golden Globe nominations come out Thursday morning, with “Wolf” competing in the best musical-comedy category, it could be a decisive moment for the film’s awards hopes. Or at the very least, the perception of the film’s award hopes.

There is some precedent for a (very) late entry making an Oscar bid. Last year, Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained,” which also opened at Christmas, began screening right under the wire, pulling in no SAG noms but ultimately winning two Oscars and landing a best picture Oscar nomination. (Although it should be noted that DiCaprio was not nominated for his blistering turn as the film’s villain.)

Judging by the responses already filtering through social media, the stun-gun style of “Wolf” may make it the Kanye West of this awards season -- deeply divisive, loved and hated in equal measure. Which may work for thrilling art that enters the cultural conversation, but also makes it difficult to reach the kind of consensus that most awards tend to drift toward. (You can watch the trailer for “The Wolf of Wall Street,” featuring Kanye West’s “Black Skinhead,” below.)

Regardless of what happens with the Globes, there are other signposts ahead: individual critics’ top 10 lists, and writers, directors and producers guild nominations next month. There are more chances. But this “Wolf” may still be left hungry.