Irish director Martin McDonagh's "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" was nominated for six Golden Globes Monday morning, the second most of the year (tied with "The Post" and one behind "The Shape of Water"). The Times caught up with the filmmaker, who is up for best director and best screenplay, shortly after the news.
Q: Good morning Martin, how are you?
A: I'm very, very good today.
Q: Where were you when you got the news?
A: Just in London. I was watching it live streaming on the Golden Globes website. So yeah, it was pretty cool.
Q: Who was the first person you told?
A: Well, I was watching it with my girlfriend, so technically she was the first person to find out. Then I emailed my mom back in Ireland, so she was the second.
Q: What was your immediate reaction?
A: Thrilled, really. I mean really thrilled. Especially to get six nominations, but especially happy that Frances [McDormand] and Sam [Rockwell] were recognized for their work because they're brilliant and they're also friends now. So it's great when your friends are acknowledged for their great work too.
Q: What's your reaction to some of the backlash the film has received for its "moral ambiguity"?
A: That ambiguity is exactly what I was going for in it. So it's not a surprise, I think, and it's nothing I can't happily defend at any stage. I think it's a really good film, and I think often the backlash is kind of a knee-jerk reaction maybe. And I think certainly in time _ not right now, in time _ the heart of the film will definitely be seen as something that's deserving to be recognized.
Q: What was it like making a film about race and policing in this current cultural climate?
A: I think we got to say an awful lot about it that isn't being said and that hasn't been said. It might not end up on a perfect plate for everybody but I think it's coming at it from an interesting angle. And I think there are other truths expressed in other films this year, so again I would defend every line.
Q: How do you plan on celebrating your six nominations?
A: I think dinner with friends and answering like a hundred emails first. And just enjoy it. If you can't enjoy a day like this, you're probably in the wrong business. So I think I'll enjoy every day leading up to [the awards].
