LOS ANGELES: He's a rebellious graffiti artist who has positioned himself as the ultimate outsider, thumbing his nose at the establishment, social mores and pop culture trends with equal creativity and power.But now, Banksy is being embraced by the very sort of forces he's made a career of mocking: On Tuesday, he received an Academy Award nomination. Banksy is up for best documentary for his directorial debut, “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” alongside producer Jaimie D'Cruz. He also appears in the film, only in shadow with a hoodie over his head and with his voice altered to make him unrecognizable. “This is a big surprise,” he said in a statement. “I don't agree with the concept of award ceremonies, but I'm prepared to make an exception for the ones I'm nominated for.” Still, the question remains: Will the notoriously elusive British artist show up for the Feb. 27 ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood? And if he wins, will he actually take the stage, say a few words and let the world see his face? “I highly doubt it,” said John Cooper, director of the Sundance Film Festival, where “Exit Through the Gift Shop” premiered a year ago. I've still never even met the person.” An international figure in graffiti art, Banksy is known for traveling the world and anonymously leaving his signature pieces in public areas while refusing to reveal his real name. Child star Hailee Steinfeld hit the jackpot with her first feature film, Australia's Jacki Weaver had to wait 40 years and Jesse Eisenberg joined the elite club of Oscar nominees Tuesday by bringing to life the publicity-shy creator of Facebook. Oscar's red carpet will be brimming with newcomers in February as eight of the 20 actors nominated for the movie industry's highest honors are first timers. And in close-knit Hollywood, three of the five directors competing for an Academy Award this year are also new arrivals. In handing out 120 nominations, the Oscars inevitably spurn others. “Snub” is the word of choice for these oversights, and Christopher Nolan is well acquainted with its meaning.
