Snubbed by Oscars, Steve Gleason offers congratulations to nominated documentaries

Jan. 24, 2017 Updated Tue., Jan. 24, 2017 at 8:20 a.m.

In this image released by Open Road Films, former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason, left, appears with his son Rivers, right, and wife Michel in a scene from the documentary “Gleason.” The film follows Gleason and his wife, Michel, into the maelstrom of ALS, or Lou Gehrigs disease, as the couple adjusts to their fluctuating reality and makes way for their son, Rivers. (Open Road Films via AP)

From staff reports

The critically acclaimed documentary “Gleason” didn’t garner an Academy Award nomination Tuesday, surprising many fans.

Oscar nominees were announced in videos released Tuesday morning. “Gleason” was one of 15 films deemed eligible for the award last month.

Especially those in New Orleans, where Steve Gleason, the Spokane native and former Washington State University football star, played for the Saints.

Finally watched it last night. Don’t know how Oscars work. But great art penetrates the soul, and @GleasonMovie moved me deeply. https://t.co/lofONKi6Eq
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) January 24, 2017

The @GleasonMovie was not nominated for #Oscars2017. The #academy has no soul. @TeamGleason #GleasonMovie
— Bayou 95.7 FM (@Bayou957) January 24, 2017

But Steve Gleason, the focus of the film, gave no indication on Twitter that he felt the film was mistreated by the Academy.

Congratulations to Life Animated. I Am Not Your Negro. 13th. OJ. Fire at Sea. on their @TheAcademy nominations. Honored to be considered -SG
— Steve Gleason (@TeamGleason) January 24, 2017

“Gleason” opened in Spokane in August just before it opened nationwide. It chronicles Gleason and his family after he was diagnosed with ALS in 2011.