Ben Affleck is playing down the Oscars controversy generated when he sensationally missed out on a Best Director nomination for Argo, saying he is thrilled the film is up for consideration in any category.
The shortlist for the 2013 Academy Awards was announced week and fans and film critics alike were stunned to learn Affleck had failed to receive personal recognition for his filmmaking, despite his acclaimed kidnap drama earning nods for Best Picture, Actor in a Supporting Role for Alan Arkin and Adapted Screenplay, among others.
Hours after the Oscars snub, Affleck celebrated a double win at the Critics' Choice Awards, bagging Best Picture and Best Director - and he joked, saying in his acceptance speech, "I would like to thank the Academy ... Just kidding, this is the one that counts!"
Fellow director Quentin Tarantino and Bradley Cooper have both been vocal about their disappointment on Affleck's behalf, but the actor/filmmaker himself says he's not upset about being left out of the prestigious category.
Speaking backstage at the Golden Globes after picking up the Best Director and Best Motion Picture Drama honours, he said, "In terms of the Oscars, look - I was thrilled. We got seven nominations, including Best Picture. If you told me a year ago, 'Would you take that?', I'd be like, 'Sign me up'!"
