The Academy Awards, or the Oscars, are often seen as the highest recognition of cinematic excellence. Winning an Oscar can elevate a film’s status, boost box office revenue, and solidify a director, actor, or writer’s legacy.But do the Oscars truly reward the best films, or are they shaped by the politics of the Oscars, social, and industry-driven factors? Over the years, many critics and audiences have debated whether the Academy Awards reflect genuine artistic brilliance or whether external influences dictate the winners.
Art is not great because it wins awards; awards become prestigious when they recognize truly great art. Many films that have shaped cinema and inspired generations were either overlooked or entirely ignored by the Oscars. Meanwhile, several Best Picture winners have faded into obscurity, proving that an Oscar does not necessarily define a film’s greatness. The true measure of art lies in its ability to resonate with audiences, provoke thought, and leave a lasting cultural impact. The Oscars can highlight excellence, but they do not create it.
The Influence of Studio Campaigns
The Oscars are not just about recognizing the best films—they are also about the politics of the oscars and Hollywood. Studios invest millions in aggressive award campaigns, hosting exclusive screenings, running advertisements, and lobbying Academy voters. Films with strong financial backing often have a better chance of winning, even if smaller, independent films deliver superior storytelling and innovation. The infamous “For Your Consideration” campaigns highlight how marketing strategies play a crucial role in securing nominations and wins.
Social and Political Movements: politics of the Oscars
Over the decades, Oscar wins have often aligned with prevailing social and political climates. For example, Moonlight (2016) winning Best Picture over La La Land (2016) was significant not only because it was an independent film but also because it was the first LGBTQ+ film with an all-Black cast to win Best Picture. Its win coincided with growing calls for more diversity and representation in Hollywood, particularly in response to the #OscarsSoWhite controversy that highlighted the lack of recognition for non-white filmmakers and performers.
However, awards should be beyond social and political movements, as they are not meant for social policing but for recognizing true artistic excellence. Art is bigger than any transient issues—movements fade away, but art remains timeless. The greatness of a film should be judged by its storytelling, craftsmanship, and ability to connect with audiences across generations, rather than being driven by momentary trends. True cinematic excellence transcends temporary social discourse, making an impact that lasts far beyond political and cultural shifts.
Genre Bias and Academy Preferences
The Academy has long shown a preference for certain genres. Historical dramas, biopics, and socially conscious films tend to dominate, while genres like horror, science fiction, and superhero films are often overlooked. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) was one of the rare fantasy films to win Best Picture, and The Silence of the Lambs (1991) remains one of the horror films to do so. Despite the artistic merit of films like The Dark Knight (2008) and Get Out (2017), genre bias remains a significant factor in Oscar decisions.
Unlike some other major film awards, the Oscars do not have separate categories for different genres. This makes the Best Picture race a broad competition where all kinds of films—dramas, comedies, thrillers, and fantasy epics—are judged under the same umbrella. Ideally, the Academy should recognize films from all genres, moods, and storytelling styles rather than favoring specific categories that align with the jury’s personal preferences. A horror film or an animated movie should stand as much of a chance as a serious drama if the artistry and execution are truly exceptional.
The Safe Choices vs. Risk-Taking Films
No one should forget that over the almost 100-year history of the Oscars, filmmakers have continuously pushed boundaries, which is why we now see such a vast variation in cinema. Similarly, we must recognize the experimental films of today not when they become a norm. Just as risk-taking by filmmakers has brought cinema to where it is now, awards should also demonstrate a willingness to take risks by recognizing films made in innovative styles and approaches based on their artistic and technical excellence.
The Oscars have often favored traditional, crowd-pleasing films over experimental and unconventional ones. However, the evolution of cinema has been driven by filmmakers who dared to challenge norms and push storytelling boundaries. The Academy must also acknowledge films that break new ground, whether in terms of narrative structure, visual style, or thematic exploration. If awards continue to play it safe, they risk discouraging innovation and limiting the diversity of films that receive mainstream recognition.
Iconic Snubs and Controversies
Several legendary films and performances have been snubbed, fueling arguments that the Oscars do not always reward the best. Citizen Kane (1941), often hailed as the greatest film ever made, lost Best Picture to How Green Was My Valley (1941). Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, and Leonardo DiCaprio (until 2016) were among the greats who struggled to receive Oscar recognition. These snubs highlight the Academy’s sometimes unpredictable—and controversial—decision-making process.
Do the Oscars Still Matter?
Despite the criticisms, the Oscars remain a significant cultural event. Winning an Academy Award can still bring validation and exposure to a film. However, with the rise of streaming services, evolving audience preferences, and alternative award shows like the Golden Globes and BAFTAs, the Oscars’ influence is being challenged. The question remains: Should we view the Oscars as the definitive mark of cinematic excellence, or simply as an industry spectacle influenced by politics and trends?
The Oscars have long been the gold standard of film awards, but their history of political influence, industry bias, and controversial snubs raises questions about whether they truly recognize the best in cinema. While they offer prestige and celebration, they are not always the ultimate measure of artistic excellence. Perhaps, in the end, a film’s true greatness is defined not by awards, but by its lasting impact on audiences and the art of filmmaking itself.