Should the Oscars Even Exist? with The Big Picture Hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins
Feb 7, 2025
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Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, hosts of The Big Picture podcast from The Ringer, dive into a fiery debate over the relevance of the Oscars. They argue that the Academy often rewards marketing over creativity and struggles to connect with today's audiences. Exploring innovative changes, they suggest a live elimination format for nominees and even reality TV-style engagement to spice things up. The conversation also touches on representation in Hollywood and why the Oscars need to evolve to remain significant in the ever-changing landscape of film.
The Oscars are criticized for prioritizing marketing over quality, often awarding films that do not resonate with audiences or reflect merit.
While some argue the Oscars can promote lesser-known films and rejuvenate public interest, they face significant challenges in audience engagement and viewership decline.
Proposed reforms for the Oscars include capping campaign budgets and making the ceremony more engaging to better reflect contemporary societal values.
Deep dives
The Case Against the Oscars
The argument is made that the Oscars should not exist, as they may harm the film industry and disappoint movie enthusiasts. Historical examples illustrate this point, such as 'How Green Was My Valley' winning over 'Citizen Kane' and 'Crash' defeating 'Brokeback Mountain.' The focus on marketing often overshadows the merit of films, leading to spending that surpasses production costs. Additionally, the Oscars have become disconnected from the viewing preferences of the general public, evidenced by a significant decline in cinema attendance.
The Oscars as a Cultural Barometer
Despite critiques, some argue that the Oscars serve as an essential platform for promoting films and reigniting public interest in cinema. Even in a landscape where American moviegoing has dropped significantly, Oscar nominations can still bring attention to films that might otherwise go unnoticed. Acknowledging that viewership habits have evolved with technology, the Oscars potentially offer a glimmer of hope for rejuvenating interest in the industry. Critics contend that removing the Oscars could exacerbate the existing disinterest in films among the public.
The Oscar Campaign Industrial Complex
The discussion highlights how the Oscar campaigning process mirrors that of political campaigns, involving strategic media narratives and extensive promotional teams. However, a critical distinction is made: while political campaigning can refine candidates, movie campaigns do not alter the film itself. This brings into question the fairness of allowing marketing to potentially sway the Academy’s votes without reflecting the film's true quality. The existence of an exclusive and private voting body further complicates public perception and trust in the Oscars’ validity.
Evolution of Academy Voting Trends
The podcast examines the evolving demographics of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, noting that an increase in membership diversity may change the types of films being recognized. The introduction of a wider variety of films in the nomination process suggests a shift toward more reflective representation in cinema. Films that incorporate queer narratives or landmark storytelling are gaining traction, highlighting changing societal values. Yet, despite this progress, the conversation reveals ongoing challenges inherent in the voting process and audience preferences.
Proposals for Oscar Reform
To improve the Oscars, various reform ideas are proposed including the notion of capping campaign budgets and eliminating certain award categories. Suggestions to shorten the ceremony and make it more engaging are also discussed, such as implementing a system where films are voted off during the telecast to raise stakes and viewer interest. Additionally, the inclusion of more opportunities for underrepresented filmmakers and conditions for awards could encourage diversity and innovation within the industry. These proposals aim to revitalize the Oscars while maintaining their relevance in today's rapidly changing cultural landscape.
Sam’s hot take — it’s time to put an end to the Academy Awards. He lays out his case to Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, hosts of The Big Picture podcast from The Ringer. They break down why the Oscars often reward the wrong films, prioritize campaigning over quality, and struggle to stay relevant in today’s entertainment landscape. Plus, how to make the hours-long ceremony actually fun.
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