It’s easy to say, “Who gives a shit about the Oscars?” and I agree with a lot of the sentiment behind that.
There’s a very good argument to be made that rich old white people (men) with lots of money pull the strings, and Hollywood is a club you ain’t part of, and these are all first world problems and concerns. It’s not wrong.
But it’s not entirely correct, either. Filmmaking is an art, and all the infinite talent it entails – from acting to editing to sound mixing to costumes to directing, the list goes on – are poured into creating that art. It’s a way people express themselves and share their stories and get their voices heard. And when we consume that art, it not only brings us joy in our lives, but we also see and hear these messages. We hopefully learn something. And, when we are able to see ourselves in that art, we form an even deeper connection. We become inspired. Maybe it stirs something in us to make art, too.
This is why representation is important. It’s not about putting POC in moves just for the sake of putting POC in movies so we can check a box. It’s not about seeing a film in another language just because it’s a ‘foreign’ film (the Academy has since changed that category to ‘international,’ a marked improvement). It’s not about making sure every different group gets a trophy.
It’s about the art we consume showing us the world we live in and who we share it with. Inspiring a new generation of people who aren’t just one race or culture or gender or sexuality. Making people feel connected and seen and heard. Strengthening our bond as humans and sharing the things we love.
Parasite was the best film I saw in 2019.
It is easily one of the best films I’ve ever seen and is one of my absolute favorites. Every win it took Sunday was more than deserved and I think it’s incredible that it beat out the more predictable and typical front runners that traditionally take these awards. Bong Joon-Ho made history this week and I hope we see more of this happening.
Also, here’s
emily’s alternate oscar categories/wins
best actress nominated for a different film but should have won it for this one instead:
Florence Pugh in Midsommar
best use of a song that forever changes how we think about it now:
Luniz’ I Got 5 On It, Jordan Peele for Us
having to put up with adam sandler, which, in and of itself, deserves an award:
Idina Menzel
—emily duchaine
Flommist Emily Duchaine lives in the Pacific Northwest. She likes to drink mead, learn about sharks, and listen to the Talking Heads. She pretends to be a professional businesswoman most days. Copyright © 2020 Emily Duchaine.
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