‘Tropic Thunder’ Wins Casting Award
The Cast of Tropic Thunder
We’re not quite sure that the folks at the Casting Society of America have their calendars calibrated properly, as they announced at the winners of the 25th Annual Artios Awards for outstanding achievement in casting. The award for Studio Feature – Comedy went to Francine Maisler for her work in casting last summer’s Tropic Thunder. Given that the winner for Studio Feature - Drama went to this summer’s Star Trek, it seems there is some sort of mid-year cut off for qualifications. Nonetheless, let’s send congrats to Maisler for the award, likely the last that Tropic Thunder will earn.
Of course, we all know that Tropic Thunder featured a stellar cast. In addition to Ben Stiller and Jack Black, the film continued Robert Downey Jr.’s resurgence and reminded audiences the guy used to be known as a comic actor (remember all those roles opposite Anthony Michael Hall in the 1980’s?). And who could forget that plum Golden Globe nominated role from Tom Cruise? The film featured a great list of comedic actors including Danny McBride, Jay Baruchel, Steve Coogan, and Bill Hader along with other A-listers like Nick Nolte and Matthew McConaughey.
A great cast indeed. But does Maisler really deserve this award?
I mean, come on. We all know who is responsible for this amazing cast and it wasn’t Francine Maisler. Sure, Maisler probably earned the paycheck for casting some interesting supporting actors but nobody is praising Tropic Thunder for making Brandon T. Jackson or Brandon Soo Hoo a star. It’s for the A-listers, and the only person we need to think about for putting that group together is Mr. Tropic Thunder himself, Ben Stiller. It is Stiller’s regular gig to call in favors and feature actors is key roles playing against or within type. The man can twist arms and does so very effectively.
Of course, since Stiller was already wearing acting, producing, writing, and directing hats I guess it’s okay that someone else wore the casting hat.
"Rain of Madness" actress Janeane Garofalo attended the CSA Awards
