Are The Oscars still relevant today?

Soon it will be ‘that’ time of year again! Yes, the Oscars will be happening on the 24^th of February and large amounts of spectators will be glued to their screens and social media where they will predict, judge and share opinion on the winners and losers.

However, is this ceremony relevant or important today? Or merely becoming a shambolic platform for mistakes, unfairness and rather non-comical rehearsed speeches which are lacking in lustre and originality?

The celebrated award ceremony has certainly taken a few beatings over the years, not surprisingly, for non-inclusion of minority ethnic groups involved in the film industry. Campaigners have brought some serious attention to this issue which merits consideration and reflection. It will no doubt have people wondering about the inner workings and functioning of these prestigious awards. Are people in the film industry merely cattle to be herded in whatever direction the judges see fit, relevant and politically favourable to what works within their limited perimeters?

It is blatantly obvious that these awards are ‘crème de la crème’ of film. The award serves as an important validation of worth to the achiever. Moreover, the movie will likely be a huge blockbuster resulting in mega sales, promotion for all involved and of course will be a symbol of status and performance level. “The academy award winning actor/actress…” sounds great! Most winners will lap up the praise and fame associated with this and perhaps in their situation we would do the same! Being ahead of the game in Hollywood is not to be sniffed at, however, it is not the aim of the game for all actors.

Let’s think back to the early seventies when Marlon Brando rejected an award. Not only this, but the rejection was carried out with dignity, courage and honesty. The actor made a political statement in a visually humbling manner – a Native American lady entered the stage and gently refused the award on Mr Brando’s behalf. She did not claim the lime-light, Meryl Streep fashion, or shout and draw attention to this important issue which was the treatment of the Native Americans, she simply held a quiet presence.

So are the Oscars equally a social platform for expressing all opinion? In the States significant events can be a space for a voice to be heard or an image to be seen and this does what it intends – it provokes thought, discussion and perhaps even change. Consider the sportsman who did not join in with the National anthem: a disgrace to many and a hero to others. Many take the Oscars for what it is – a ‘spectacular’ of sorts but others, perhaps more savvy, will jump ship, raise awareness of a subject and get a message out there!

So the Oscars have a place in film for sure although many are becoming only too aware of the potential unfairness of it – Black actors may win, but notice something though – their acting role will probably hold a stereotypical image which reinforces white dominance. Even when trying to be fair the message is clear: The Oscars are relevant yes – but let’s pay attention to the detail with a sceptical eye.