2014 Grammy Video Nominations (and other thoughts)
Of the 82(!) Grammy categories, which the academy helpfully ranks in order of importance, music video comes in at #81. For perspective, Best Liner Notes is ranked as #65. Comedy is #55. And if you're wondering, #82 is Best Music Film, which is essentially a renamed version of the old Best Long Form Music Video.
That's not to say the nominations for Best Music Video are off the mark — they're not, especially in the context of the RIAA big music focus of the awards show — but don't you think it's time for the Grammys to maybe give a bit more respect to the most visible and popular manifestation of modern music?
Anyway. Let's dig into Category 81, and then read on for Best Music Film nominees and some other Grammy thoughts
Best Music Video For an individual track or single promotional clip. Award to the artist, video director, and video producer.
SAFE AND SOUND Capital Cities Grady Hall, video director; Buddy Enright, video producer [Capitol Records]
PICASSO BABY: A PERFORMANCE ART FILM Jay Z Mark Romanek, video director; Shawn Carter & Aristides McGarry, video producers [Roc Nation]
CAN'T HOLD US Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Ray Dalton Jon Jon Augustavo, Jason Koenig & Ryan Lewis, video directors; Tricia Davis, Honna Kimmerer & Jenny Koenig, video producers [Macklemore LLC]
SUIT & TIE Justin Timberlake Featuring Jay Z David Fincher, video director; Timory King, video producer [RCA Records]
I'M SHAKIN' Jack White Dori Oskowitz, video director; Raquel Costello, video producer [Columbia Records]