Billie Eilish Has Two Oscars At 22. Fans Feel for 81-year-old Martin Scorsese, Here's Why

Billie Eilish’s heartfelt song “What Was I Made For?” clinched the coveted title of Best Original Song, ensuring that “Barbie” wouldn’t leave the ceremony empty-handed. The soundtrack for Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster not only became a sensation but also a powerhouse in its own right, boasting tracks from top-tier artists. Co-written by Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell, “What Was I Made For?” had already snagged the Song of the Year at the Grammys, making it a hot favorite for the Oscars. This marks the dynamic duo’s second Oscar win for Original Song, following their victory with “No Time to Die” from the 2021 James Bond extravaganza.

At just 22, Eilish now stands as the youngest two-time Oscar winner in history, a feat as remarkable as her talent, and perhaps a testament to a sprinkle of luck, something Martin Scorsese, at 81, knows all too well.

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The list of revered directors who never grasped the coveted Directing Oscar—Kubrick, Hitchcock, Godard, Welles, and more—seems to render the accolade somewhat arbitrary. Yet, Martin Scorsese, despite his unmatched contributions to cinema, openly harbours a desire for more Oscar gold. While his lone victory for “The Departed” stands as a testament to his prowess, his esteemed editor Thelma Schoonmaker insists he’s been snubbed at least seven times. With 11 nominations to his name and recent works amassing numerous nods sans wins, the disparity is glaring, to say the least.

As one ‘X’ user rightly put it, “Martin Scorsese: one Oscar, Billie Eilish: two Oscars…That’s the Academy of Hollywood.”

Scorsese’s career brims with masterpieces, some arguably eclipsing “The Departed.” His magnum opus “Raging Bull” lost out to “Ordinary People,” a perennial source of bewilderment. Similarly, “Goodfellas” fell to Kevin Costner’s “Dances With Wolves,” and the oversight of “Taxi Driver” remains a glaring omission.

Adding to that, Scorsese’s direction in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” though not without its flaws, was a masterclass in filmmaking. Despite stiff competition, particularly from Christopher Nolan, Scorsese’s skill was undeniable, yet the Oscar remained out of reach. While some hope for better luck with his next project, the Academy’s track record suggests that Scorsese’s contributions may continue to be undervalued—a sentiment echoed by many online.

Nonetheless, as the younger Eilish graciously accepted her Oscar, expressing gratitude for the song and the film’s impact, one couldn’t help but reflect on Scorsese’s unfulfilled journey with the Academy. His legacy is a testament to cinematic excellence, a narrative sometimes overshadowed by the glamour of awards season.

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Yet, as the internet celebrated Eilish’s win, the bittersweet realisation remained: she had her moment, but Scorsese’s awaits. And as Eilish humbly acknowledged those affected by the movie, one could only wonder when the Academy might finally recognize the genius of a cinematic titan like Scorsese.