The power of the people does exist. This past week it was brought to the attention of the world that The Oscars ceremony would try to save run time by awarding several trophies during commercial breaks. The snubbed categories were to be Cinematography, Editing, Live Action Short, and Makeup and Hair Styling. This lead to a lot of outrage on social media from industry insiders and an open letter to the Academy from filmmakers, cinematographers, and actors. Some of the big names on the letter included George Clooney, the Coen brothers, Sam Raimi, Spike Lee, and Wonder Woman herself Gal Gadot. You can find the letter HERE.
The Oscars responded yesterday with a tweet and an attached offcial statement:
Nine days until the showtime, still tweaking the script. #Oscars https://t.co/Cv78kjDWYW
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 15, 2019
I’ll take “still tweaking the script” as “oops we didn’t think you would care”, but that’s just my opinion.
While I am not a big fan of award shows, especially ones so rife with stories of corruption and bribes buying awards, I agree with the Hollywood insiders. There is no movie without the cinematographers, editors, or make up artists. The people behind the cameras really help bring the director’s vision to reality, and their years of experience can take a simple shot a director had in mind and give us something amazing instead. We all know the importance of editing, looking at you Suicide Squad and Solo. Also, you can’t even have a stage show without the makeup and hair artists.
Also See: Star Wars: Episode IX Has Wrapped Filming
While these categories don’t get the same love from everyday people watching, we must remember that the awards are not for us. Yes, the business side of airing awards shows cares only about selling ads, but these nominees deserve their moment, and showing these awards can inspire those in the audience that are into that side of making movies. Somewhere in the world is a kid dying to get into cinematography or being the head makeup artist on Avengers 8.
What do you think of the Academy’s reversal? Are you a fan of these categories? Are you excited to see Black Panther represent Comic Book Movies in a way never before seen? Let us know in the comments below.