The Commitments (film) Strong secured the role of Deco Cuffe, the lead singer of The Commitments. Robert Arkins was initially considered for the role of Deco before he was ultimately cast as Jimmy Rabbitte. Although his character does not have a singing part in the film, Arkins performs the song "Treat Her Right" during the opening credits. For the role of Joey "the Lips" Fagan, the eldest member of the band, Parker and La Frenais wanted veteran musician Van Morrison. Although his meeting with Parker did not go well, Morrison offered his songs for use in the film. Rory Gallagher was also considered
The Jazz Singer (1980 film) one of The 100 Most Enjoyably Bad Movies Ever Made. Diamond was nominated for both a Golden Globe Award and a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor for the same role in this movie, winning the latter. The only other time an actor was nominated for both awards for the same performance was Pia Zadora, who uniquely won both in 1981. The film is recognized by American Film Institute in these lists: The Jazz Singer (1980 film) The Jazz Singer is a 1980 American drama film and a remake of the 1927 film "The Jazz Singer", released by EMI Films.