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) 
I totally agree with you! I usually don’t really like the majority of the movies that are nominated and it airs 4 in the morning (in Sweden) so I can never watch it anyway. I do however really like that the director gets an award because it’s after all them who made such a huge job!
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As always, Emma is timeless. 🙂
My biggest issue with the award shows is the idea of turning art into some sort of competition. One of the primary reasons I gravitate towards the arts in the first place is that I tire of everyone having to win everything or prove superiority to someone else.
People think participation trophies are ruining society. Why? Is it because they’re afraid the losers won’t understand they’re losers and learn to work harder? Most kids that I’ve seen get these things looks at them as toys and have fun with them. What kind of ogre feels the need to put a stop to that?
How do I compare my enjoyment of Cuckoo’s Nest (a critical darling) and Massacre at Central High? They’re both well made movies that resonate with me I don’t need to declare one better than the other.
Thanks for getting me worked up again a year later, Emma. 🙂
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Ha ha! Spot on! I don’t often watch the nominated movies and if I have seen them, that’s like a curse on them because guaranteed they won’t win then 😉
You’ve said all that I’ve always though anyway. Have a super Sunday!
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Thank you too! I’m currently sitting in my dressing gown and it’s gone midday – definitely a good Sunday! Haha 🙂
Thanks for your comment 🙂 which nominated movies have you seen so far? Just thinking what might have been cursed haha! 🙂
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Don’t get your hopes up for “Arrival” or “Hell or High Water”…I watched them because they looked good and not because they were nominated (I didn’t even know they were) but because they looked good and I like Jeff Bridges as an actor (he’ll probably also not win now 😀 ). I prefer The Guest to Hell or High Water 😉 At least with The Guest I knew exactly how I felt – Hell or High Water I’m still trying to decide if I liked it or didn’t…
Nothing wrong with a Sunday lazing around 😉
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Oops…bad Sunday for grammar! Arrrghhh….
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I love that they reward THEMSELVES. Um, I don’t think that’s how it’s supposed to work.
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Haha! You’ve summed it up in a single sentence! 🙂 🙂
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Auditors don’t get showered with praise and get to shag models? What was the point in studying for that degree!
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Haha!!! 🙂
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Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! I invariably loathe the majority of Oscar films, and my friends tell me I’m just being a contrarian! Also, a pint each on me for Grindhouse, From Dusk Til Dawn, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre!
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THANK YOU! And a pint from me right back at you for each of those films too! 🙂
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Reblogged this on emmakwall (explains it all) and commented:
All still stands. Happy Oscars 2017!
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You know, you’re absolutely right. I don’t watch the Oscars but I try to follow them on Twitter because a lot of people tweeting about the Oscars are wickedly funny.
And yes, darn it! When was the last time I was given a big award for doing my job and being wonderful?
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Exactly!!! We’re never praised and ogled!! 🙂
Of course the Oscars are fun and I don’t mean to rain on anyone’s parade, they’re a big part of the movie industry but personally, I’m not a fan!! 🙂
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Though we do on occasion pass each other blogging awards 😉
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That’s totally different… 😉
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Here you are 🏆…a “plebs award” for being wonderful (Silver Screenings and Emma, your blogs are wonderful so it can only be that the person behind the blog is also wonderful). Just imagine…if we were getting all pampered and preened right now, we’d miss out on watching those poor sods trying to outdo each other. Have a super duper rest of your Sunday!
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Bahaha! Love it!
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😀
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Well put. I’ve never been into the Oscars either. Like you, they’re not my type of movie. I also have an issue with turning the arts into competition. Sports are fun for competition, but I like art to appreciate someone’s vision. It’s hard for me to see one vision as superior to another.
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What a beautiful sentiment and I really, really mean that! I think you’re absolutely right and no opinion on film or indeed arts, is objective.
I just get fed up of being told something (or someone!) is ‘oscar worthy’ – I mean what does it even mean?!! I think it’s snobby 🙂
I know it’s a ridiculous comparison but me and my brother were re-watching ‘Borat’ on Friday night (for a laugh!) and we said in passing we thought Sasha Baron Cohen should have got an Oscar for his performance in that film. Of course though, he never would though 🙂
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You’re too kind!
As a movie person, I think most people just assume that the Oscars are a big deal, sort of the movie Super Bowl. Like I said though, you shouldn’t “win” movies. I do thin acknowledging someone’s art is worthwhile though. And it’s obviously more marketable if it’s a competition.
I also want to avoid being a curmudgeon who pisses in everyone else’s Cheerios. If they find something enjoyable in the Oscar’s, that’s great. I think I’m more in your mindset though. Not for me. The last time I watched the Oscars was to see what Peter Jackson would look like in a tux. It was everything I hoped it would be.
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Yes…agreed!
The same applies to Film Critics – I never watch anything because of the reviews or ratings it receives…once again, it is all about art and what appeals to me as the appreciator of that art.
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