This Sunday, March 2nd will be a night of glitz and glamour as Hollywood celebrates The 97th Academy Awards. If you're an actor, you've probably practiced your Oscar acceptance speech at least once or twice (I know I have) and know exactly how to feign that "Oh, I'm-so-happy-you-won-and-not-at-all-mad-I-didn't" look (but, that won't be necessary because you're gonna win, right?). I mean, who doesn't want to win an Oscar? Be honest: you all want to stand in a room full of artists you've looked up to and say "Wow, I'm so honored to be among all of you. I've been dreaming about this my whole life. Thanks, mom and dad!" all while holding this little golden man!
But, what's little Oscar's story?
You don't want better pay...you want an Oscar!
The Academy Awards, affectionately known as the Oscars, have been the pinnacle of cinematic recognition since their inception in 1929. Conceived by MGM head Louis B. Mayer, the awards were designed to honor outstanding achievements in the film industry and, perhaps not coincidentally, to calm labor disputes and improve the industry’s image. The first ceremony was a whopping 15-minute affair, held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel with an audience of about 270 guests. By celebrating artistic achievement and acknowledging the contributions of actors, writers, and crew, Mayer and other studio heads hoped to pacify unrest among workers who were pushing for fairer treatment. Thankfully, that didn't work and throughout the 1930s and 1940s, major unions like SAG, WGA, DGA, and IATSE were formed.
As the years rolled on, the Oscars evolved into the glamorous multi-hour spectacle we now know and remain a beacon for Hollywood's prestige. While its origins have ties to the industry's long history with labor struggles, winners have often used their Oscar speeches (ironically enough) as platforms to advocate for labor rights, diversity, and political causes.
Lights, Camera, Controversy!
No Oscars ceremony would be complete without a dash of controversy or a sprinkle of scandal. (and I don't mean J-Law charmingly tripping on her way to the stage). In 1973, Marlon Brando declined his Best Actor award for “The Godfather,” sending Apache actress Sacheen Littlefeather in his stead to protest Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans. Her speech was met with a mix of applause and boos, highlighting the polarized views of the time. Fast forward to 2017, and we witnessed the infamous envelope mix-up, where “La La Land” was announced as Best Picture instead of the rightful winner, “Moonlight.”
Then there's 2022's "the slap heard around the world," when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage following a comment about Jada Pinkett Smith. The incident sparked widespread debate about comedy, boundaries, and professionalism, proving that the Oscars remain a live event where truly anything can happen.
And who can forget Adele Dazeem? We'll definitely never let it go.
And the Career Goes To…
Winning an Oscar can be a golden ticket to new opportunities, higher paychecks, and industry clout. Take Halle Berry, for instance, who, after her historic Best Actress win for “Monster’s Ball” in 2002, saw a surge in high-profile roles. Similarly, Matthew McConaughey’s 2014 Best Actor win for “Dallas Buyers Club” marked a shift from rom-com regular to serious dramatic actor, a transformation so notable it earned its own moniker: the “McConaissance.”
While some may not really care about winning or being nominated, the Oscars can definitely leave a mark on your career. It also makes for a great conversation piece and a fun prop in your guest bathroom (Kate Winslet, we friggin' love you)!
But, how do you even know who's "better?"
Can creativity truly be judged? Comparing performances across different genres and styles can be like choosing between apples and oranges. While, as viewers, we can come up with our own personal preferences and rubrics for who is "more deserving," at the end of the day, art is subjective and there really isn't a way to compare one performance (be it on screen or behind the scenes) over another. Moreover, the Oscars have faced criticism for overlooking deserving talents (especially from underrepresented communities), highlighting an ongoing conversation about representation and recognition in Hollywood. The hashtag #oscarssowhite gained a lot of attention in 2020 discussing this very issue.
On a different note, the competitive aspect of awards can also influence the creative process, possibly encouraging filmmakers to tailor their work to appeal to Academy voters rather than pursuing pure artistic expression. Yet, despite these debates, the Oscars continue to hold a revered place in the industry, symbolizing a celebration of cinematic achievements.
2025: And the Nominees Are…
So, as Sunday approaches and you get ready to cheer on your favorites, keep practicing those Oscar speeches and never stop envisioning yourself in a room full of talent. Keep going to the movies and—even better—keep making your own! Create, tell your stories, and maybe one day you will make history holding a little golden man.
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