#ScrewAwardShows
Do award shows really matter? | The Tylt
Do award shows really matter?
In recent years, critics have denounced major award shows like the Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys. Many detractors argue too many award shows are too long, too political and too self-important. Award shows are blasted as being pointless, likely the cause behind their declining ratings. But entertainers deserve recognition for their artwork. Winning major awards doesn't only carry an actor or pop star's career, but also cements their legacy within popular culture. What do you think? 🏆
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Do award shows really matter?
Some critics find value in awards recognition but are skeptical about award shows. For instance, critics have been saying for years (if not forever) award shows like the Grammys are out of touch and awards are "by the industry, for the industry." But the Oregonian's David Greenwald argues people do watch and tune in via social media. (Therefore, audiences are still engaged.)
But if we had to settle this polarizing debate, which is it really?
But award shows often times lack diversity and don't always get the winners right. Winning should be based on popularity, acclaim, and impact, but politics sometimes play a hand in who wins—especially with the Oscars. In 2017, Toronto Sun's Liz Braun wrote:
Last year’s ‘Oscars So White’ made it clear that there’s not a lot of room on the big screen for minorities. This, despite a flurry of nominations for black actors this year, is hardly news.
The statistics are straightforward. The minority audience sits at about 40% and growing, and yet white men hold all the important positions involved in green-lighting anything out of tinseltown. That’s according to the 2015 Hollywood Diversity Report, ‘Flipping The Script’, from Dr. Darnell Hunt and Dr. Ana-Christina Ramón.
#EmbraceAwardShows
But the Grammys, Oscars, Tonys, and Emmys are prestigious awards that can further the careers of an artist. The Billboard Awards, BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, SAG Awards and Golden Globes are also examples of an artist's popular impact in their respective industry.
Entertainers should be celebrated for their respective craft, and as fans, we love to watch it all unfold on TV and social media. In 2017, the Los Angeles Times shared perspectives from filmmakers and actors on why the Oscars still matter:
"Everybody looks to the filmmaking community to reflect the role they live in. The Oscars, theoretically, is the best of that reflection." - Barry Jenkins, "Moonlight"
"It celebrates creativity and it celebrates art, and that's not exactly something lucrative when you start off in the beginning... So to celebrate people putting their heart and soul into something despite the odds against them, I think that is important." - Allison Schroeder, "Hidden Figures"
"To celebrate this art form, which is so influential, is a good thing. It gives people an opportunity to maybe be aware of films that they otherwise wouldn't." - David Oyelowo, "A United Kingdom"
