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Zach Braff’s unexpected Grammy win: A tale of ‘Garden State’ and Tarantino’s reaction
A surprising victory
In a recent interview, Zach Braff shared an amusing anecdote about his unexpected Grammy win for the ‘Garden State’ soundtrack, which triumphed over Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill Vol. 2’. Braff, who directed, wrote, and starred in the 2004 indie hit, recounted how he never imagined beating Tarantino in any competition, let alone at the Grammys.
“I was up against Quentin Tarantino. I certainly didn’t think there would ever be a chance where I would beat Quentin Tarantino at anything,” Braff said. “My father wanted to come, and I was like, ‘Dad, there’s no way I’m gonna win a Grammy. Tarantino is winning the Grammy, and you’re wasting your trip from Jersey out here.’ And then we won! I couldn’t believe it.”
Tarantino’s playful reaction
Braff’s victory was met with a light-hearted response from Tarantino, who jokingly accused Braff of stealing his Grammy. The two directors shared a moment of camaraderie, with Tarantino offering a smile and a hug.
“Tarantino jokingly said, ‘You stole my fucking Grammy, man!’ and then gave me a big smile and a hug. He was super sweet and supportive. I was the kind of film-school kid that would have put a ‘Reservoir Dogs’ poster on my wall.”
The impact of ‘Garden State’
‘Garden State’, which starred Braff alongside Natalie Portman, became an indie sensation, grossing $35 million at the box office on a modest budget of under $3 million. The film’s soundtrack, featuring artists like The Shins, Coldplay, and Thievery Corporation, resonated deeply with audiences and played a significant role in the movie’s success.
“I didn’t ever think a Grammy was something I should even dream about,” Braff reflected. “I never in a thousand years would have thought this would be what happened to this movie, but whether it’s the soundtrack or the film itself, it’s rare that a day goes by that someone doesn’t ask me about it. It was a seminal movie for a lot of people at a time in their life when they really needed to see it.”
For those who haven’t experienced the magic of ‘Garden State’, you can watch the trailer here.
Spielberg’s endorsement
Braff’s work on ‘Garden State’ also caught the attention of another legendary filmmaker, Steven Spielberg. Amid the film’s success, Spielberg sent Braff a heartfelt letter, which now holds a place of honor on Braff’s wall.
“I have a letter from Spielberg. It’s framed on my wall,” Braff said. “It was a dream letter to get from one of my heroes saying that he loved the film. I’m paraphrasing, but it was something like, ‘On behalf of so many others, I’d like to welcome you to Hollywood,’ or something like that.”
Reflections on the soundtrack’s legacy
The ‘Garden State’ soundtrack remains a beloved compilation, often cited as a defining musical experience for many. The inclusion of tracks from The Shins and Coldplay helped introduce these bands to a wider audience, cementing the soundtrack’s place in pop culture history.
For those interested in revisiting the iconic soundtrack, you can find it on Spotify.
A personal note for cinema and music enthusiasts
As a lover of both cinema and music, the story of ‘Garden State’ and its unexpected Grammy win is a testament to the power of indie filmmaking and the impact of a well-curated soundtrack. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unassuming projects can leave the most lasting impressions. Whether you’re a fan of Braff’s heartfelt storytelling or Tarantino’s bold cinematic style, there’s something to appreciate in the way these artists support and celebrate each other’s successes.
For those who haven’t yet seen ‘Garden State’, it’s a film worth watching, not just for its narrative but for the emotional journey it offers through its music. And for those who have, it’s always worth revisiting to experience the nostalgia and the feelings it evokes.
Explore more about ‘Garden State’ and its soundtrack, and let yourself be transported back to a time when indie films and their music could capture the essence of an era.
