Scorsese, Scorsese, Scorsese!!

“When I was growing up, they would say you could become cops or criminals. But what I’m saying is this. When you’re facing a loaded gun, what’s the difference?” – Jack Nicholson from “The Departed”.

Oscar finally smiled on Martin Scorsese as he was awarded his first Academy Award for Best Director. Scorsese has consistently been one of the best directors over the past 30 years. For him not to win an Oscar before this is a crime. Take a look at the movies he was previously nominated for and who he lost to: "Raging Bull", lost to Robert Redford; "Last Temptation of Christ", lost to Barry Levenson; "Goodfellas", lost to Kevin Costner; "Gangs of New York", lost to Roman Polanski and "The Aviator", Clint Easwood. Of the five times he lost, I would say that only one is legit - losing out to Barry Levenson. But to lose out to two first time directors (Costner? Come on!!) and Polanski, who can't even enter the US without fear of being arrested. Needless to say, it was a long time coming.

"The Departed" marks a return of sorts for Scorsese. This is the first "mob" movie he's directed since 1995's "Casino". While "Goodfellas" will be considered his best work, "The Departed" is not too far behind. Once again, teaming up with Leonardo DiCaprio, who is becoming his "go to guy" as DeNiro was in the 80's and 90's, Scorsese creates a suffocating game of cat and mouse as two "rats"; one from the Mass State Police and the other from the Mob, try to discover who the other is before they in turn are discovered.

DiCaprio finally lays to rest his "Titanic" image with his best role to date. Scorsese also directed Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg to career highs as well. Of course, the star of the show is Jack. Nicholson brings his "A" game as mob boss Frank Costello.

It was fitting to see Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas present Scorsese with his Oscar as their careers have been intertwined for the past 35 years. Here's hoping that this isn't the last time Marty wins Oscar gold.