Why do we even bother with the Oscars?
J.Lo in Lorene Scafaria’s Hustlers, which got zero nominations
Public interest in the Oscars has fallen. The choices are mostly predictable. The ceremony is preceded by dozens of other awards ceremonies, so by the time it rolls around we’re tired of seeing everyone mouth the same platitudes. Media coverage focuses more on the outfits than on what exactly the nominees have done. The Academy is tired and needs freshening up. More than banning stylists so the nominees have to dress themselves, more than providing drunken Olivia Colman acceptance speeches, the Academy needs to pay attention to the times.
Why do I care? Force of habit and a lifetime of watching the telecast. Occasionally the Academy shocks me by agreeing with my choices, but not this year. Seventy-five percent of my actor bets didn’t even get nominated. Why? Here are some guesses
Adam Sandler in the Safdie Brothers’ Uncut Gems, zero nominations
Adam Sandler. “Because he’s Adam Sandler, a comedian, not to be taken seriously.” “Pushy Jewish hustler from New York–isn’t he just being himself?” Sandler will get his usual revenge by making a crap movie that you all will watch.
Lupita Nyong’o. “She’s in a Jordan Peele horror-comedy, we just acknowledged Get Out recently.” “Doesn’t she already have an Oscar for playing a slave?” Lupita will have her usual revenge by being Lupita.
Lupita Nyong’o in Jordan Peele’s Us, zero nominations
Jennifer Lopez. “Pole-dancing performer using her sexuality–isn’t she just being herself?” “Because she’s J.Lo, not to be taken seriously.” J.Lo will have her usual revenge by being J.Lo. And reminding you all that she’s 50.
Brad Pitt. “Yes, he’s just being himself, but we old white guys just want to be Brad Pitt.”
Answers to questions you might be asking, unless you wandered onto this site purely by accident >>>
January 15th, 2020 at 02:57
J.Lo’s excellent performance in Hustlers reminded me of another excellent performance in a movie about strippers…Matthew McConaughey‘s performance in Magic Mike, who was also snubbed by the Oscars that year. But that was the start of the McConnaisance soooo next year is J.Lo’s year!
Us and Midsommar should have been nominated too.
February 10th, 2020 at 13:47
Re-reading this post after watching the 92nd Academy Awards.