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The Oscars are a marketing tool. They're great marketing, with some interesting caveats, but they're marketing. They're not even unique, to the extent they ever
by msla 4y ago
The Oscars are a marketing tool. They're great marketing, with some interesting caveats, but they're marketing. They're not even unique, to the extent they ever were, and they long since stopped trying to be "all things to all people" or "consensus" other than being a consensus of Hollywood insiders.
Ultimately, they're a sampling of Hollywood insiders' opinions of which films were the most "Oscar" of the previous year's pick of Hollywood films, publicized to promote those films, the general idea that Hollywood is still relevant in the film industry, and the even more nebulous idea that what Hollywood defines as films are relevant in our culture.
It isn't even about the "Best" in any real sense: "Best" is either subjective, in which case Hollywood's idea is as good as anyone's, or is defined through long-lasting cultural impact, in which case nobody can pick out the "Best" films of a year a few months after that year is over.
Is it even guaranteed that the year's best, longest-lasting films will even be made in the Hollywood system? Will they be the ones eligible for Oscars? Hollywood wants people to think so, which is part of what the Oscars are for, to legitimize the Hollywood process and culture, but the world is bigger than that now. We've grown up.
- onlyrealcuzzo 4y ago> Ultimately, they're a sampling of Hollywood insiders' opinions of which films were the most "Oscar" of the previous year's pick of Hollywood films, publicized to promote those films, the general idea that Hollywood is still relevant in the film industry, and the even more nebulous idea that what Hollywood defines as films are relevant in our culture. So why does Avengers make $2B per movie - mostly overseas - if it's irrelevant? Why are more people watching Hollywood movies (and spending more money to do so) than ever before if Hollywood is irrelevant? Just because you have different tastes than Hollywood doesn't mean Hollywood is in decline. Maybe you think the quality is. That's subjective. Someone's always going to think that. But it's hard to argue the relevance is... Objectively, it just doesn't seem to be the case. Are the numbers fake? How do you define "relevant" other than people watching content in an industry defined by... people watching content?!
- jahewson 4y ago> why are more people […] spending more money to do so) than ever before Because everyone forgets to adjust for inflation.
- hgsgm 4y agoAvengers appears to be past its peak, like Harry Potter before it and Star Wars. Is there a new generation coming up?
- hn_throwaway_99 4y agoAvatar The Way of the Water reached $2 billion in 40 days.
- soco 4y agoAvengers, fast food, they all fulfill a real need. The question is, should the Oscars celebrate the Michelin restaurants, or KFC? It's ultimately their decision, whether we approve it or not. I believe we have prizes for different productions - Cannes, Sundance... so if I don't enjoy the Oscars lists, I certainly have other lists to choose from.