MARTIN SCORSESE - SCORSESE GRATEFUL FOR BELATED OSCAR RECOGNITION

Director MARTIN SCORSESE is glad he didn't receive an Academy Award for directing earlier in his career, because it might have changed the way he made movies. Scorsese had received six nominations for directing and eight nominations overall in his 40-year career, before winning for THE DEPARTED last night (25FEB07). He explains, "I've just been used to not winning. It's about getting the pictures made. But when you win something, you appreciate it." After making THE AVIATOR, Scorsese says he decided, "To just relax and make the best film we can." He adds, "Good thing I didn't get (the Oscar) before, because maybe it would have changed the kind of movies I would have made. "I don't know if I was strong enough. I'm glad it's taken this long. It's been worth it."