He's an outsider, but don't count Sam Mendes out

You could hear the astonishment in Harrison Ford's voice last year as he announced the Oscar winner for best film. Steven Spielberg had just nabbed the directing prize for "Saving Private Ryan," the

Friday, March 17th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

You could hear the astonishment in Harrison Ford's voice last year as he announced the Oscar winner for best film. Steven Spielberg had just nabbed the directing prize for "Saving Private Ryan," the heavy favorite to win the grand tamale. When the words "Shakespeare in Love" tumbled from his lips, he wasn't the only party in a state of shock: The usually-affable Mr. Spielberg never showed up backstage to meet the press.

This year, Sam Mendes' "American Beauty" is the favorite in the best picture bracket. It's a tricky Oscar year, one in which few categories boast sure-fire picks. Mr. Mendes could certainly be separated from his film in the winner's circle. Recent history, however, suggests that he won't.

Before 1998-99, when Miramax spent big bucks to promote "Shakespeare," the last year an Oscar committee gave a best director nod to someone who didn't make the best picture winner was 1989. The recipient was Oliver Stone for "Born on the Fourth of July."

Meanwhile, Bruce Beresford, who directed that year's "best picture," Driving Miss Daisy, wasn't even nominated for the directing award.

Mr. Mendes is hardly a sure thing, especially with Miramax once again spending big on behalf of "The Cider House Rules" and its director, Lasse Hallstrom. Best known as an English theater director, Mr. Mendes is not an insider in Hollywood's cozy fraternity. Also keep in mind some past oddball choices in this category: That great auteur Kevin Costner rode the "Dances With Wolves" train to beat out Martin Scorsese and "GoodFellas" in 1990.

But even then, best picture and director were linked. It's the safe, predictable thing to do, especially after last year's controversial split, and the academy is generally nothing if not safe and predictable. If "American Beauty" keeps up its momentum, the talented Mr. Mendes should get a warm welcome into the old boys' network.