Let's dim the lights on yet another thrilling Academy Awards season, but before we roll the credits, let's take a captivating journey through the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From jaw-dropping controversies that sparked debates to triumphant achievements that left us applauding in awe – buckle up, because this ride through the most glamorous night is about to get wild!
In 2024, there were 53 feature-length and short films, whose crews were dominated by males from privileged layers of society, thereby excluding hidden gems from diverse backgrounds. Among the 40 invited performers and award presenters, 24 were women, comprising 25% Black, 16% Latinas, and 1 Asian. Additionally, there were 19 non-binaries, including 10 Black, 5 Latinos, 2 Indigenous, and 2 Asians. Thirteen individuals from 10 countries were also represented, including Kenya, South Africa, Mexico, Vietnam, Puerto Rico, Malaysia, England, Austria, Australia, and Canada. Furthermore, two openly LGBTQIAP+ individuals were present, yet there were no disabled individuals, a stark contrast to the 2022 awards when "CODA" received recognition. Moreover, it is noteworthy that one can count on fingers the number of times a male from a deprived background has been nominated and won a category, whether in acting or more technical roles, in almost 100 years of the Academy Awards.
Despite numerous controversies, there were notable achievements that set the stage for future generations. Emma Stone secured victory as a lead actress, becoming the eighth woman to claim her second Oscar before the age of 35, a feat yet to be matched by any man. Additionally, there were unprecedented nominations for two openly gay actors who portrayed openly gay characters: Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin and Jodie Foster as Bonnie Stoll. Moreover, it marked the first time that the Indigenous people from the Osage, an American Native group, performed on the Oscars stage, marking a significant step towards greater representation and inclusion in the industry.
Ratings for the Oscars have seen a significant decline in recent years, largely attributed to public perceptions of the event as antiquated and biased. Despite this, the Oscars remain a trending topic across social media platforms, with a plethora of posts and extensive coverage of the event generating widespread discussion and engagement.
Another aspect worth considering is the values and ideologies perpetuated by the winning films, which often uphold antiquated and traditional norms while maintaining dominance and are relevant in the present-day media driven society. Take, for instance, the recent controversy surrounding the film "Barbie," where the absence of female nominees in key roles, including the director or female lead, serves to reinforce the movie's commentary on gender dynamics. Similarly, despite being a major success both domestically and internationally, "Oppenheimer" (directed by Christopher Nolan, 2023) raises concerns due to its problematic portrayal of women. The female characters often embody various layers of the femme fatale archetype, reflecting male anxieties about women, and are sometimes subjected to the "stuffed in the fridge" trope, wherein they are harmed or traumatized solely to advance the plot for the male protagonist. Such portrayals perpetuate stereotypes and relegate women to passive roles, victims of the male gaze, and mere shadows or adjuncts to the male lead, thereby reinforcing existing gender norms in cinema.
Anyway, the Academy Awards may hold relevance due to the significance of the cinema industry in the US, and over the years, there have been noteworthy winners and achievements. However, it's essential to acknowledge that there are plenty of prestigious awards ceremonies around the globe that honour film crews, messages, and portrayals just as effectively. Amidst the glitz and glamour of the mainstream box office hits and golden statues, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered, appreciated, and celebrated for their artistic merit and cultural impact. There are stories hidden waiting to be told and shared.
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