ARE THE OSCARS REALLY THAT IMPORTANT?

The Oscars, perhaps the pinnacle of extravagance among Hollywood award shows, have long been revered as a symbol of peer recognition and industry prestige. Yet, amidst declining ratings, growing disillusionment with institutions, and the logistical challenges, questions regarding the true significance of the Academy Awards persist. With time, one tends to ask, are the Oscars really that important?

Oscars: Important or spectacle?

While some view the Oscars as a mere red-carpet spectacle, others stress upon the varied importance of the awards show. Beyond the honour of peer acknowledgment, the Oscars serve as a platform for studios to leverage prestige, boost ticket sales, and attract top talent. For many in the industry, a nomination alone can be transformative, propelling their careers to new heights.

Also Read: Are Critics Choice And Golden Globes Prophetic For The Oscars?

However, the history of the Oscars reveals a complex narrative intertwined with politics, power dynamics, and controversy. Originating as a response to labour issues in the early days of Hollywood, the awards were designed to promote industry cohesion and project a positive image to the public. Yet, behind the scenes, campaigns and politicking often influence the outcome, raising questions about the fairness and integrity of the process.

How Harvey Weinstein exploited Oscars

Notorious figures like Harvey Weinstein exploited the Oscars as a battleground for influence, employing tactics akin to political elections to sway voters and elevate their projects. The power of Weinstein was perhaps, best seen at the 1999 Oscars when John Madden's Shakespeare in Love, which was distributed by Miramax managed to upset Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan in the Best Picture category.

Despite subsequent reforms and efforts to address misconduct, the shadow of past controversies continues to linger over the industry.

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Oscars undeniable influence

Nevertheless, the Oscars wield undeniable influence, particularly in shaping narratives and career trajectories. For filmmakers and performers, a nomination or win can open doors to new opportunities and validate years of hard work. Costume designer Ruth E. Carter, known for her work on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Black woman to win two Oscars. Michelle Yeoh also made history by winning the best actress Oscar for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once, becoming the first Asian woman to do so in the category.

Yet, the road to recognition is fraught with challenges, and the industry's biases and inequities persist.

In fact, one of the raging issues surrounding the upcoming Oscars 2024 is the Barbie snub. The film did get a nomination for Best Picture, and so did Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera for their Best Supporting Actor and Actress categories. However, the absence of Greta Gerwig, who brought Barbie and Ken's love story to the big screen along with Margot Robbie, who essayed the eponymous character, has not gone down too well with the audience.

In recent years, calls for greater diversity and inclusion have become the call of the day throughout Hollywood. This has prompted the academy to implement new eligibility standards and acknowledge underrepresented voices. While progress has been made, systemic barriers remain, hindering the aspirations of aspiring filmmakers and marginalised communities.

There have been two black actresses to win the Best Actress Award in 95 years.

Let that sink in.

Oscars: Aspirations and shortcomings of Hollywood

The Oscars represent both the aspirations and shortcomings of the film industry, reflecting broader societal dynamics and power struggles. As debates surrounding their relevance continue, one cannot deny one thing -- the Oscars are more than just a ceremony—they are a reflection of the complex interplay between art, commerce, and culture in contemporary Hollywood.

2024-02-27T10:32:08Z dg43tfdfdgfd