Every year, when the Oscar nominees are announced or the awards are handed out, the same question is whispered from ear to ear: ‘Why aren’t those films that the audience loved nominated?’ The fact that films that break box office records, are talked about for weeks, and win the hearts of millions are not even mentioned at award ceremonies, or are nominated in only a few categories, suggests a significant disconnect between the audience and the Academy. Does this really mean that the Oscars ‘don’t like’ popular films? Let’s take a closer look at the Oscar selection criteria and the reasons behind this perception.
1. The Difference in the Definition of ‘Best’: The Academy’s Evaluation Framework
The Academy Awards and the general audience have very different criteria when it comes to defining the ‘best’ film. The Academy consists of industry professionals (actors, directors, writers, etc.) and evaluates films based on artistic quality, innovation, and cinematic craftsmanship. Technical details, acting depth, the originality of the screenplay, and the director’s vision are their top priorities.
The general audience, while appreciating these elements, evaluates films primarily based on factors such as entertainment value, emotional impact, suspense, and escapism from reality. What the film makes you feel, how memorable it is, and how much it draws you in are important. Therefore, the Academy’s Oscar selection criteria can fundamentally differ from what the audience ‘likes.’
2. The Distinction Between ‘Prestigious’ and ‘Popular’ Genres: The Academy’s Genre Preferences
The Academy tends to view certain genres as more ‘prestigious’ or ‘serious.’ Historical epics, dramas, and character-driven stories often receive more attention during award season. Genres like science fiction, fantasy, action, and horror, which audiences often enjoy, are often seen as less ‘Oscar-worthy’ by the Academy, even if they are well-made (like the artistic and innovative film Dune: Part Two). This can lead to many popular films with box office success being overlooked.
3. The Perception of Dismissing Popularity: ‘Looking from the Outside’ and Oscar Criteria
It may seem odd, but a film’s massive box office success and widespread popularity can paradoxically be seen as a ‘red flag’ by some Academy members. In other words, if a film is that popular, it might be perceived as ‘cliché’ or artistically ‘unchallenging.’ This mindset can lead those seeking to appreciate extraordinary artistic vision to overlook highly popular works. Simply put: ‘If everyone loves it, it can’t be that good, right?’ This highlights how Oscar selection criteria differ from public perception.
4. The Demographics and Tastes of Academy Members: Impact on the Voting Process
Academy members are industry professionals: actors, directors, writers, producers, and other industry workers. Their tastes and perspectives are shaped by their professional experiences and values. This can lead to a natural inclination toward films that showcase certain craft elements, have artistic ambition, and are recognised by the industry as ‘quality.’ However, these preferences may not always align with the film preferences of the general public. This is an indication that the Oscar selection criteria are shaped by the professional perspectives of its members.
5. The Desire to Elevate ‘Smaller’ Films: Supporting Independent Cinema
One of the Oscars’ important goals is to highlight smaller, independent, and art films that are often overlooked in the commercially driven Hollywood scene. Awarding these films can be seen as supporting diverse voices and artistic innovation beyond blockbuster hits. This can sometimes lead to the neglect of very popular films. This demonstrates that the Oscar selection criteria prioritise cinematic diversity over box office success.
6. Personal Opinion and Unpredictability: Subjectivity in Oscar Decisions
Ultimately, award decisions are not solely based on a film’s quality; they are influenced by various factors such as media campaigns, industry gossip, and even personal biases. This internal subjectivity can lead to results that seem illogical or unfair to audiences who have a simpler view of what constitutes a ‘better’ or ‘best’ film. In other words, Oscar selection criteria may not be entirely objective and can be influenced by subjective factors.
In short, the Oscars do not actively ‘hate’ films that audiences love. Instead, the Academy Awards evaluate films using a different set of values and priorities. This difference in criteria, along with potential biases and the subjective nature of the awards, can create the perception that popular, audience-favoured films are sometimes unfairly ‘left out.’
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