The late Robbie Robertson was shortlisted for an Oscar on Thursday (Dec. 21), when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences revealed the shortlists in 10 categories. Robertson’s name was shortlisted under best original score for his work on Killers of the Flower Moon. A total of 148 scores were eligible, from which this shortlist was culled by members of the music branch, who will also vote to determine the nominees.
Martin Scorsese has paid tribute to his long-time collaborator Robbie Robertson following the musician's death at age 80 last August.
The 80-year-old filmmaker sent a statement to Billboard on Wednesday, remembering The Band lead guitarist as one of his "closest friends".
"Robbie Robertson was one of my closest friends, a constant in my life and my work. I could always go to him as a confidante. A collaborator. An advisor. I tried to be the same for him," the director wrote.
Martin continued, "Long before we ever met, his music played a central role in my life - me and millions and millions of other people all over this world. The Band's music, and Robbie's own later solo music, seemed to come from the deepest place at the heart of this continent, its traditions and tragedies and joys. It goes without saying that he was a giant, that his effect on the art form was profound and lasting."
Scorsese’s 1978 film lately had a 4K digital restoration, audio commentary versions from Martin Scorsese, Robbie Robertson, and Mavis Staples, and others, a new interview with Scorsese conducted by critic David Fear, outtakes, and more. It was available on Blu-Ray and 4K UHD in March 29, 2022.
Documenting The Band’s Thanksgiving “farewell show” -- the Band would ultimately reunite five years later -- at Winterland Arena in San Francisco, The Last Waltz remains one of the most cherished concert films in history for its fiery performances from ‘70s rock’s golden gooses: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Dr. John, Eric Clapton and many more.
Other features of the Criterion release include a 1978 interview with Scorsese and Robertson, a 2002 making-of documentary about The Last Waltz, and an essay by New Yorker writer and Pitchfork contributor Amanda Petrusich.
last American rock group The Band, held on American Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.
