I'm off to the airport in the morning. Updating will be...pretty much non-existent. Gerard will hopefully fill the void from time to time at The Blog, and I may pop in every once in a while (from a new part of the country each time) with a musing here and there.

It's been a crazy season, one as taxing as it's been exhilerating. Sad it ended on the note it did, with presss room comments going too far and dragging a lot of unneeded drama into the scenario. But that's behind us now, a new season will soon be upon us, and who knows what newbies will join the Oscar party at that time, what new tricks the old dogs will bring to the table. Here's hoping for a smooth go at it next time around, but for now, study hard with our year in advance coverage.

Enjoy the spring.

It looks like this whole mess with Michael Minkler will finally be put behind us, as Kevin has issued this statement regarding his doing the same. All things considered, the exchange has been publicized enough for any and everyone to take from it what they will, make their mind up as they choose. But Mr. O'Connell is doing the stand-up thing by putting this button on the issue and clearly moving forward without the desire to drag things out further, and that's a very professional thing to do.

O'Connell's response to the week's events:

I would first like to thank all of you for the overwhelming response to my mother's passing. To see such a positive response at one of the darkest times in my life has been unbelievably comforting, not just to me, but to my entire family as well.

As for all of your responses to Mr. Minkler's backstage comments:

I have never seen a community get together and rally around one of their own as you all have. It is deeply appreciated. Many people forwarded some of your responses to me, and I found them to be quite comforting.

On Thursday morning, March 1st, I was forwarded a letter from Mr. Minkler, in which he wrote:

"Dear Kevin, At a press event after the Oscars, I responded to what I thought was a misplaced question with a silly, sarcastic, and offhanded response. Regrettably, my remarks were not stated, understood, or reported in the spirit they were intended. It was not my intention to impugn your professionalism, your work, or your achievements. I wish you the best in the future. Best regards, Michael MInkler"

That said, I think it is time for all of us to move on in the best interest of the sound community, and put this behind us. I cannot express how moved I have been from all of your support. There is no doubt that I belong to a brotherhood that is unified, strong and proud, and exemplifies some of the finest human spirits in the motion picture industry.

I will be forever grateful.

Respectfully,
Kevin O'Connell

Here's to the future and, hopefully, a deserving Oscar in due time for Mr. O'Connell and his partner, Greg P. Russell.

You can catch up on the goings on of the week here and here.

It seems that enough has become enough and sound mixer Michael Minkler has responded to the outcry regarding his remarks in the Oscar press room Monday night about fellow mixer Kevin O'Connell. He boils it down to irritation at the press continually asking about Mr. O'Connell's streak of nominations sans Oscar (this is what you do in the movie business...you deal with the press) and chalks his final comment, the doosey, up to a stab at humor (that didn't seem the case to myself and a lot of people).

In any case, some response is better than none, and via email, Minkler has offered this up to a number of industry individuals:

Gentlemen, Friends, and Colleagues,

A very unfortunate situation has developed because of my stupid answers to some inappropriate questions. I did not seek this spotlight­ -- the press did, as they have in the past. It was wrong of them to ask the questions, and wrong, wrong, wrong of me to answer them the way that I did.

I apologize to all of you for creating a messy situation, and exposing the appearance of any dissention among our ranks.

The press has been asking me questions about Kevin since 2002. They continue to hound me with the same questions again and again, and this time I lost control, using bad choices of words and bitter sarcasm. The award should be about the work---period.

It is always my concern to preserve the Oscars' significance to the filmmaking community and its international audience. My thoughts got away from me at an emotional time, and that I regret.

My response to the last question was off-the-cuff sarcasm meant as humor. However it seems that it has caused even greater reaction...shock. I wanted to end the questioning and those words came out. Not funny. I am very sorry. The time and place was wrong for any of it.

Adding sentiment to this unfortunate situation has of course been the sorrowful passing of Skippy O'Connell. My sincere condolences go out to the entire O'Connell family.

I have been in communication with Kevin directly, and I wish the best for him in the future. I am sure that he will receive his due recognition on that same stage very soon, and I will be the first to congratulate him.

In my career, I'm sure that I have accidentally hurt people, but I've never intentionally sought to do harm. I ask forgiveness from them. I have given shots and taken some, but I don't believe that at any time, true malice was the objective.

I appreciate you sharing your personal thoughts with me, as I always have. I now thank you for allowing me to share mine with you.

Respect to all, Michael Minkler [src]

EARLIER: Greg P. Russell's Response