Hidden Nook

According to Michael Ventre of MSNBC (see source link above) the reason has to do with the way Mel Gibson refuses to promote the film as is traditionally done by the movie industry when a movie has the potential to be nominated.

First off, we live in highly commercial times. Rare is the motion picture that is plucked out of obscurity and embraced by Academy voters without being accompanied by a good, old-fashioned marketing onslaught. In this case, Gibson has already declared he will not spend money to promote the film. Turning his back on the increasingly distasteful practice of trumpeting a movie for Oscar contention is a noble gesture.

A noble gesture indeed. Ironically a movie that has polarized many people within the country as well as angered those who regard themselves as "elitist" within the American society will probably be remembered for years to come (if not decades). If this movie ever is recognized for the glory it deserves, it will like the story itself be a miracle. Selah.