The 88th Academy Awards is taking place this weekend. And I thought it would be fun to tell you why I’m not into it. Though I must add – I genuinely enjoy all of your Academy Awards posts and Oscar love
1. They’re unnecessary and smug. Most of the people nominated are presumably on some level doing their ‘dream job’ and earning fantastic money and if you’re Leonardo DiCaprio – shagging A LOT of Victoria’s Secret models. So, without sounding bitter (I’m so fucking bitter!) – why do they deserve extra praise? Aren’t they ‘living the dream’ already?
No other normal industry does it. I certainly don’t remember the last time I was invited to the Annual Awards for Services to Auditing and Administration. Do you remember the last time you were praised in front of the nation for your services to the world? No, thought not.
But of course it’s so important these people are told again and again how wonderful they are. Of course it is. So important.
2. I’m not very interested in the films. Maybe it’s the inverted snob in me (I’m quite prepared to admit that) but I’m just not that bothered about watching the types of movies that are *drum roll please* Oscar Nominated. Coincidentally, you can read my most recent film review for Zoolander 2 here.
I’m a film fan and some of my favourites include From Dusk till Dawn, The Football Factory and The Guest (which remains the best film I’ve seen in recent years). I like crappy horrors and eighties soundtracks, I like to see Martin Short dancing around the living room and to watch 90s action classics (“they don’t make them like that anymore”) . Not necessarily all this ‘critically acclaimed’ stuff (what does critically acclaimed mean again?).
Let’s be honest there is a huge degree of snobbery surrounding ‘The Academy’ and it is the same sorts of movies – and directors – and actors – that get nominated time after time after time.
3. The ‘swag’ bags. Meaning the party bags that are given to each guest. I can’t get an exact figure on what they’re worth but it’s A HELL OF A LOT. And that’s the ‘official’ bag only – many beauty retailers give unofficial bags also worth thousands of dollars.
I’m not naive. I know that some pigs are more equal than other pigs. But really? There’s actually millions of dollars being ploughed into FREEBIES for rich people and on the other side of the news we see families fleeing their homes with no money or possessions and homeless people begging just so they can eat?
Yeah I get it, it’s a glitzy and ridiculous over-the-top ceremony celebrating the rich, brilliant and beautiful Hollywood stars. All I’m saying is they could at least ditch the party bags.
4. The sheer duration. The Oscars go on for an average three hours which is absolutely ridiculous. And it’s even longer if you take into account commercial breaks and red carpet interviews. I don’t even wanna watch films that go on for that long so why would I want to watch an awards ceremony that does?
5. It’s all a load of rubbish anyway. And everyone knows that really – otherwise why has Leo been ignored for so long? Because he doesn’t partake in back scratching and ad placing?
Academy voters are made up mainly of actors, directors and producers (with about 75% being white and male). Getting nominated in the first place is a serious business and to secure a win – even more dedication is required. Let’s be honest, it doesn’t just come down to talent.
Judi Dench, who won Best Supporting Actress in 1998 for Shakespeare in Love, was only on screen for an incredible eight minutes. Sorry, I meant to say Dame Judi Dench.
And there’s plenty of actors who I think are really, really terrific – like Toby Jones or Stephen Graham or Jason Watkins. But they may never get nominated for an Oscar because they’re not in the right kinds of films.
But anyway I did promise to tell you the one thing I do like about the awards and that thing is……(probably going to be a let down now)………..seeing what people are wearing.
I know, so fetch and girlie right? I do love looking at the dresses.
emmakwall (explains it all) 
The Oscars are a load of poppycock, really — it’s all about the campaigning and who’s friends with who — and I feel like I rarely agree with the winner. And yet… I can’t help but watch them!
I think it’s the way there’s a whole mini-industry around them — the other awards, most of which just want to be seen as Oscar predictors, and all the pundits trying to use previous results as some kind of indicator as to what will happen — and because of all that, the actual ceremony plays almost like the final of some sporting tournament. It’s utterly ridiculous, and I kind of love it for that.
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I totally understand, when you put it like that it sounds a lot of fun!! Did you watch last night?
You could actually turn it into a real game with the way you described it!!! 🙂 thanks for your comment Bad Bloke Bob (great name!!!)
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I did watch. One of the best Oscars for years, actually — Chris Rock was a good host and there were a few surprise winners. It was still the Oscars, of course, but, yeah, a relatively good one.
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Reblogged this on Mel Rook & The 7 Deadly Sins and commented:
This is a great list.
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You have fair arguments but Dame Judi Dench is damn awesome haha.
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She is 🙂 Hi Alex!!!!
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I love this Emma, you’re right on the money with this one. I never bothered to write about the Oscars last year because I completely forgot about it. This time around I’m pretty much only interested to watch and see if this is Leo’s lucky year! And I love what George C Scott said. ‘Meat parade’ is so apt.
Also, when are we getting our awards! I want my award for Best Person For Working With Kids and Not Getting Paint On My Work Clothes.
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Thanks Anna!!!! 🙂 so much!
At least Leo won his long awaited Oscar. Still pisses me off that he had to wait this long but glad he got one! 🙂
Glad you liked what George C Scott said too, it’s a bit like when celebrities turn down knighthoods and the like, just refreshing!
I’d SO vote for you to win Best Person for Working with Kids and Not Getting Paint On My Work Clothes too! Get your speech ready!!!! 🙂 🙂
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The Oscars are the best thing in the world, IN THE WORLD!! How dare you. p.s. the best thing about this post is the ‘Animal Farm’ reference, very fetch.
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🙂 sorry James.
Haha, I’m glad you saw that!!! And the Mean Girls reference too which is JUST as good huh?! Huh? I like the way you used it too 🙂 clever clogs.
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Epic post! So on the money! I appreciate your candor and bravery here. I haven’t watched the Oscars through and through since Silence of the Lambs won Best Picture.
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Haha, cheers again Victor you’re very kind 🙂
I guess it was kind of brave lol, could upset a few people…..!!!
I don’t think I’ve ever really watched it though that could be down to being in the UK and the time difference etc. Maybe if it was just ‘on TV’ one Sunday night I’d watch it for a laugh but meh….!
Are you not a fan of Silence of the Lambs? 🙂
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No, no, I LOVE SotL! I meant that I stopped watching the Oscars after that film, because I thought that was as perfect a Oscar night was going to get for a movie that great in my lifetime (though, I must admit, the year that Titanic won all the awards, I did watch and peek in every so often).
I have, unfortunately, lost my respect, regard and enthusiasm of the Oscars for the very astute reasons you mentioned in your post. I am kind of happy that Mad Max Fury Road won all of the technical awards last night, if for nothing else. Wanted Damon to win, too, but I guess it was Leo’s year. Oh well…
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Reblogged this on CFY.
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Miserable little bleeder aren’t you! 😛
I have to play Devil’s Advocate a little as my film club (and indeed the amateur film circuit) has it;s own Oscars and awards and it is rather gratifying and humbling when a little idea that you had in your head which the you develop into a script, get the cast and crew, film it on your little camcorder and edit it in your bedroom impresses enough people that they deem it reward worthy. It (six awards for my first film 😉 ) validates you and your craft in a way and is a boost to the confidence. 🙂
But as far as the Oscars go I can see what you mean as they have become very cynical and little more than a marketing ploy for the films. You notice that the nominees are now announced before the films are released in the hope the Oscar nom will put bums in seats? That is tacky to me.
One thing I dislike about award shows in general is when people win they jump up and down and celebrate which I think is arrogant, disrespectful to the other nominees and lacking in humility. But that’s just me. It also irks me when people moan about not being nominated as if it is compulsory and not something based on merit. 😡
I do think awards can mean something but we are starting to go beyond those who are deserving and instead pandering to the populist mentality for appearance sake. It’s a shame that something which once had immense prestige has been reduced to a marketing tool but that is life today I’m afraid.
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Hi MiB! 🙂 I’m not miserable!! Perish the thought ha ha.
I agree wholeheartedly with everyone you said, which was amazingly enlightening and clever – as usual! This post was only meant as a bit of fun really, though I do still stand by most of what I said – in a non-serious way.
I think your home-made Oscars sound absolutely amazing and well done on receiving so many awards already!!!! You are a brilliant amateur director 🙂 I know because I’ve watched some of your shorts!! And I’d rather hear your acceptance speeches than anyone else’s 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Thanks for the kind words! 🙂 Our Oscars is coming up on the 15th and unlike the real thing, we don;t even know if our films have even been shortlisted! 😮 Thankfully we don’t do acceptance speeches, be we are forced to pose for the camera…
I have to say one final thing about the (real) Oscars is that it does also recognise the behind the scenes guys who rarely get credit since it is usually the star of the director who sells the tickets not the backroom boys and girls, so at least they get their moment in the spotlight too! 🙂
Okay, as you were! 😛
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No problem!! I wish you luck for the 15th 🙂 I’d be glad NOT to do an acceptance speech too, I’m a very nervous public speaker! I bet you look great in your photo 🙂 And great point about the behind-the-scenes guys, I totally accept that! Thanks MiB 🙂
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Thanks! However I look hideous in photos (as I do in real life) which is why I try to avoid them…
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No you don’t, don’t say that. I don’t like having my photo taken either so I do understand (I’m not photogenic!!!) but NEVER say you look hideous, you’re a great person and that’s not true!!!
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Ah thank you. You are too kind to say so! And you look fine if your pic too. 🙂
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I just don’t believe you should say that about yourself, I really don’t! This was me when I read what you said ——–> 😦
And thanks for the compliment, it’s a flattering pic to say the least lol. I wish they were all that good! Ha 🙂
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Well, self-esteem isn’t a huge strong point of mine.
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I’m sorry 😦 I know it’s not always easy. Hope you’re having a good weekend?
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Don’t apologise, it’s not your fault! 😉
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I know 🙂
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I really don’t like the Oscars at all. They are so boring and so long. I might just check in for the opening monologue. There’s only about 1 major award an hour. I can always just check the internet to see who won. And if there is happens to be a good speech, I can just go to YouTube and watch it. It also doesn’t help that chances are that I haven’t seen any of the movies – unless Jurassic World or Star Wars: The Force Awakens are in the race for Best Picture.
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That’s so true, there’s a million articles online today about outfits, awards, speeches, controversy etc. So much easier than watching !
And I’m exactly the same, all the movies I really enjoy would never get a look in! Unreal how Star Wars can be snubbed like that really though, considering the magnitude of the films and the fans!
Looking forward to today’s 80 challenge!! Listened to Depeche Mode in the car this morning….maybe my luck in is! 🙂
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Well, I just watched the opening monologue, which wasn’t too bad. Then I got bored quick, and tuned out. It’s all political anyway. I guess I kind of always knew that, but when Shakespeare in Love beat out Saving Private Ryan, I was done. I mean Annie Hall beat out Star Wars in 1977! How can you take this seriously?
I like Depeche Mode! They were one of those bands that I didn’t really like back in the day. But, I liked them more and more as I got older.
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Shakespeare in Love beat Saving Private Ryan. Whole world’s gone mad!
I’m glad Leo won his gong this year but that’s about it. I thought the controversy about Sam Smith being the ‘first gay man’ to take an Oscar was pretty funny, storm in a teacup!!
I’ve never seen Annie Hall or Star Wars but I can GUESS Star Wars had a bigger impact!!!! Should have won! 🙂
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You’re absolutely spot on about the Oscars Ems. I generally find them insufferable and this year even more so given that it’s a complete shut out of minorities for the second year in a row. That said will I watch it? Yep. At least fir the first couple of hours. Like you, I love the outfits, and I’m also interested in Chris Rock’s opening. I’m feeling kinda guilty now. 😦
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Lol, oh no need to feel guilty Kims!!! Don’t you dare miss! I hope you watched and enjoyed 🙂 this post was only tongue-in-cheek and I’m glad Leo won FINALLY!!!!
I’m not really clued up with films enough to do a proper Oscars post so i thought I’d go against the grain (something I enjoy doing..!) and stir things up a bit 🙂
We need to discuss outfits!! Any in particular, you loved? xxxxxxxxx
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I thought Chris Rock did a great job addressing the controversy. I’m so glad Leo won, but I’m thrilled Spotlight won for best picture. I cried most of the way through Lady Gaga’s performance and I do think her song should have won the Oscar over Sam Smith’s. And I was completely shocked that Stallone didn’t win. I think one of my favorite dresses of the night was Cate Blanchette’s.
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I didn’t realise Gaga had written that song or performed it – I’m so behind!!!! I do like Sam Smith’s Bond song (unlike most people lol) but it sounds like Lady Gaga’s was more heartfelt. I still need to see Spotlight! And Room 🙂 And The Revenant lol. Cate Blanchett looked lovely as ever! 🙂
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Have watched it on YouTube Ems? It’s really touching especially when victims of campus sexual assaults come put behind her. I think I went through half a box of Kleenex. Tom and I watched Spotlight the other night and it was phenomenal! We kind of lived through “the scandal” as it was breaking here and I thought the producers, director, and actors brilliantly captured what happened. I still have to checkout the other movies. Top on my list are: Room, The Danish Girl, and Revenant. Oh! And in addition to Cates dress I loved Alicia Vikanders gorgeous “Belle” dress. I also give to thumbs up to: Daisy Ridley, Jennifer Garner, and Charlize Theron.
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The “Belle” dress is rightfully yours!!! I can’t wait to watch Spotlight, glad you and Tom enjoyed it! Especially seeing the scandal first hand, high praise from you 🙂 I can’t wait to see Room as well (and The Revenant) though may read Room first as I haven’t yet seen the film and story. I haven’t seen Lady Gaga’s performance but it does sound very terrific and emotional!!!!!
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Yay! I’m twirling! I think you’ll like Spotlight Ems. And I haven’t seen Room yet but that’s definitely on the top of my list. The book was fantastic!
xox
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YAY!!!! I love the image of you twirling as Belle!! I’ll get you a Belle dress one day 🙂
I think I’ll buy the book tomorrow, it’s fairly cheap in the shops now! Eek! I was re-reading Catcher in the Rye last night….using my gorgeous bookmark!!! ❤
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My very own Belle dress?!
*sighing happily*
You have to let me know how you like Room Ems. I love Catcher in the Rye! I had a copy, but it fell apart from my repeated readings. I’m so happy you’re enjoying your bookmark. I’m reading an arc of Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye (think Jane Eyre as a serial killer) and I’m using one of my Little Miss Sunshines. They make me smile.🙋🏻😊
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