Mogul Harvey Weinstein talks Hollywood awards buzz

(CBS News) 

Harvey Weinstein has supported, produced and distributed some of the most memorable films of the last decade, including "The English Patient," "Pulp Fiction" and "The Piano." Known as a risk taker, Weinstein recently gambled on the mostly-silent, black and white film, "The Artist." That film, along with "My Week with Marilyn" and "The Iron Lady" are all generating Oscar buzz heading into awards season.

On "CBS This Morning," Weinstein discussed his success and how he chooses his projects, as well as how he stays neutral when his films are up for the same awards.

• Harvey Weinstein on why he risked "The Artist"
• "The Artist," Streep, Pitt among Film Critics Circle winners
• David Edelstein reviews "Hugo," "The Artist"
• "The Artist": Silents are still golden
• The Showbuzz: "The Artist" (Video)

Weinstein also addressed the Best Picture win of "Shakespeare in Love" in 1998, which has been regarded by some as questionable because of the competition at the awards.

Charlie Rose said, "Tell us, what was the competition that year?"

Weinstein said, "There was a kid named Steven Spielberg. He had made a movie called 'Saving Private Ryan.' And I think this guy Hanks was in the film."

Rose asked, "So how did 'Shakespeare' win?"

Weinstein replied, "'Shakespeare won because people voted for it."

"They voted it because of Harvey (Weinstein) and Harvey's advertisement," Rose said.

Weinstein said, "You know what Tom Dewey said, 'How did Truman win?' Same thing."

Weinstein also talked about how he's successful at selling. He told Charlie Rose it's all about passion. "When you have the passion for what you do, you can market it well," he said. "You know, you have to have the passion and you have to believe, and anybody who believes that a black-and-white silent movie ('The Artist') can do business in the United States of America is either certifiable or has passion."

For more with Weinstein and his thoughts on the upcoming awards season, check out the video in the player above.