Idle got the consent of the rest of the Python crew to produce Spamalot, so I don't understand what the problem is. I don't think turning Holy Grail into a musical is "greedy", but rather obvious, inspired, and smart.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
As one of the contributing members of the Monty Python group, I'm not sure it's appropriate to claim Mr. Idle is 'ripping them off' - rather like stealing from yourself, don't you think?
Bill Irwin said an interesting thing that I completely agree with. He was puzzled as to why director Anthony Page was not nominated. Since he directed "Virginia Woolf" and everyone in the four-person cast was nominated, it just doesn't make sense why Page wouldn't be nominated--esp. since there are only four directors who are up for the award. Very strange.
"You've gotta have a swine to show you where the truffles are."
Indeed, the director does have a hand in the entire cast receiving individual nods. Does the entire nominating group vote in each category - or is it divided into peer groups like the Emmys - where actors nominate actors, writers nominate writers, etc.?
I think that Anthony Page would probably have made it if they could have added one more nominee. I don't know who I would kick out of that category (Crowley, Ellis, Hughes, Mantello), as each of the nominated directors did fine work.
Agree with most of nominations - unfortunately Raul was in with a tough group this year (the women's group easier to get into considering Dilly's nomination).