The controversy about director Woody Allen's alleged sexual assault of Dylan Farrow has sent studios scrambling about his future in filmmaking.
The allegations have damaged Allen's reputation in the business of filmmaking. Following a string of online accusations, Dylan Farrow wrote an open letter that was published by the New York Times, detailing the abuse she received from her adoptive father.
In a story by CNN, Allen's lawyer Alan Abramowitz said, "It is tragic that after 20 years, a story engineered by a vengeful lover resurfaces even though it was fully vetted and rejected by independent authorities. The one to blame for Dylan's distress is neither Dylan nor Woody Allen." The "vengeful lover" seem to indicate Mia Farrow, Allen's former girlfriend with whom he adopted Dylan and her brother.
Leslee Dart, a representative for Allen, said in a statement that the filmmaker "read the article and found it untrue and disgraceful."
But what does this mean for Allen's nomination for Best Original screenplay? According to USA Today, Jedd Bock of Exhibitor Relations thinks, "Actors may have strong personal feelings that change whether they want to work with him. I don't think you're going to see an immediate impact, but scandal can bring you down if people ultimately decide for themselves whether it's true." He cited Mel Gibson's career as an example.
Although fate may likely be sealed for Allen, it does not necessarily mean that it put Cate Blanchett's nomination in jeopardy. The same article from USA Today quoted Tom O'Neil of the Gold Derby, an Oscar forecasting site, saying "As long as she doesn't take sides, she will likely win. So far, she's been the picture of diplomacy." He was referring to Blanchett's statement about the scandal when she hoped for peace for the family. O'Neil also added, "If she can maintain that separate air, she's safe."
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