One, and only one reason: Hollywood politics.
I came here to see if it had won any oscars, because it sure had a lot going for it. Some of the cinematography was absolutely stunning. The settings in Philly were remarkable, and all the old cars, all the details, it was a very high quality production from top to bottom. Super under-rated, this should at least be an IMDB 8+

So glad to see some birdy lovers. Loved it bought DVD poster and stills from film. Should be on Blu-ray. Modine IS "transcendent".

Totally agree. This is called a "cult" movie, maybe so when released but now, post Iraq, should be rereleased on Blu Ray. Agree about Nic Cage and leaving las vegas. But Matthew Modine, fresh out of acting school, is transcendent.
"I dont know that Id want to visit my brain
except with a gun and a flashlight. Don Winslow

I think timing was a big part of it too. Back then movies like this were rarely given a chance over the "established" actors of the day. If Birdy were made today it would be nominated for just about every category and Cage might have even won for Best Actor.

Poor box office was its undoing.
Its that man again!!

Birdy may not have been nominated for an Academy Award, but it won the Cannes Grand Prix Award in 1985. Academy Award has more to do with mass appeal or popularity than it does with quality. In most years my favorite film or performance isn't even nominated for an Oscar. When you have movies like Shakespeare in Love or Crash winning the best picture award, you know the Academy Awards process is basically a popularity award, and not a true indicator of quality.

Agreed! I find it very hard to believe the actors didn't recieve oscar noms. Cage had me cracking up and the movie was so unlike anything I've seen. Saw it last night and it's still on my mind.

I did see it on the big screen.Fantastic on the big screen

I agree, it's definitely stood the test of time! I would LOVE to have seen this on a big screen!

Screw the acadamey is right!!! I'm sad however that so many people who could enjoy this movie will perhaps never hear about it. 'Specially young folks. It's more timely now than ever! A classic. I bet it would kill if it was released again today.

Screw the academy; Birdy is bestowed legendary status by "those who know" and "those who matter"

I just find that birdy is one of those unfortunate films doomed to late night television and ultimately unappreciated , I think its a wonderful film with Modine and Cage easily giving carrer best performances.This movie made me laugh at times and also brought a tear to my eye.

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oh to hell with the oscarsi've given up bein bothered about what's nominated there.well actually i still do complain every now n then.but i agree with you.and relate with how you feelthat's what i'm basically saying
anyway at least it won at cannes.that's cool
and nicholas cage was indeed very goodi'd honestly say he's better than modineand the movie is very very good
the score is very effective.but it's perhaps not original enough seeing as a lot of it comes from existing music of peter gabriel'son one of his albumsand as i read one of the cues is basically just an instrumental version of one of his songs.so on that basis that year there were probably more deserving winnersand perhaps more deserving nominees

okyer wrong.
Actually, I'm partial to his role in Raising Arizona.

no im pretty sure thats the golden globes. Babel got best picture HA!
and Nick Cages best roles are as follows:
1 leaving las vegas
2 adaptation
3 bringing out the dead
say im wrong

Unlike someone else who replied to your comment, I agree with you that Birdy is an unusually excellent film. But who cares about Oscar nominations, anyway. Although it might have meant something in the far distant past, today the Oscar scam (for the most part) is just another political/popularity contest which says nothing about true artistry and what is, or is not, deserving of praise. Ignore the philistines and keep supporting worthwhile creative works.

Crap film?
It is sad what excessive drug usage can do to one's view of as great a movie as Birdy is.

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I believe this was one of the best films of the 1980s. I was really pissed off when it wasn't nomination for any top awards. This may have been Nicolas Cage's best performance.