The 97th ‘Academy Awards’ (or as they are popularly known, the ‘Oscars’) are set to take place tonight (2), marking the culmination of an exciting awards season. With the ‘Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards’ wrapping up just last weekend, anticipation is at an all-time high as fans and film enthusiasts eagerly await the final verdict from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
For many film enthusiasts, this is more than just an awards show; it is an opportunity to celebrate cinema, debate industry trends, and engage in the art of Oscar predictions. Whether for entertainment or serious analysis, predicting winners has become an integral part of the experience, often sparking both excitement and frustration when choices feel like industry politics rather than a true recognition of artistic excellence.
With the advent of social media, these award shows have lost some of their former prestige. What is considered ‘popular’ has become increasingly arbitrary and there is far less reliance on these accolades to determine artistic merit.
However, these awards still play a significant role in shaping the industry, influencing which films, actors, and filmmakers receive opportunities. In turn, this impacts the art audiences will consume in the coming year, making it an important topic of discussion.
An unpredictable race
Historically, the ‘Golden Globes’ have been a strong predictor of Oscar winners, setting the tone for the rest of the awards season. However, this year’s ‘SAG Awards’ delivered some surprising upsets, challenging expectations.
In a historic moment, Timothée Chalamet became the youngest-ever recipient of Best Actor at the ‘SAG Awards’ for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown,’ despite Adrien Brody’s dominance in the category throughout the season, including his Golden Globe win for ‘The Brutalist.’ With such unexpected shifts in momentum, this year’s ‘Academy Awards’ are shaping up to be an unpredictable and somewhat thrilling event.
The Best Picture category is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and controversial races of the year, with several unexpected developments stirring debate among film enthusiasts.
One of the biggest talking points has been the snubbing of ‘Challengers,’ a film widely regarded as a strong contender, yet almost entirely absent from the nominations. Meanwhile, the inclusion of ‘Emilia Pérez’ – a film embroiled in controversy and widely criticised as undeserving – has only fuelled further frustration among audiences and critics alike, especially as it continues to sweep the awards circuit despite widespread backlash.
However, aside from the debate surrounding ‘Emilia Pérez,’ the Best Picture lineup has been largely well received, featuring a diverse selection of films that have made a significant impact throughout the awards season.
The nominees for the top prize include ‘Anora,’ ‘The Brutalist,’ ‘A Complete Unknown,’ ‘Conclave,’ ‘Dune: Part Two,’ ‘Emilia Pérez,’ ‘I’m Still Here,’ and ‘The Nickel Boys.’ With such a wide-ranging selection of genres and storytelling styles, the race remains unpredictable.
Are people still watching?
With the changing tides around awards shows brought on by social media trends, Brunch reached out to those in Sri Lanka and abroad to hear their thoughts on this year’s awards. While many admitted they were not heavily invested in the results, there was still a sense of curiosity about who would walk away with the top honours.
Irangani Jananath, a Sri Lankan currently living in the US, shared her evolving interest in the awards season.
“When I was in Sri Lanka, I was not so concerned about these award shows, but now that I am here in the US looking after my granddaughter, I have really gotten sucked into it. I find it really intriguing, especially with all the controversies surrounding these films.
“I think the ‘Oscars’ and the culture around it are pure entertainment. There are many tiers of entertainment, and in a way, it is essentially a reality TV show. I am looking forward to seeing how everything turns out, the final episode being the day of the award show.”
Her perspective echoes a sentiment shared by many casual viewers; while the ‘Academy Awards’ may not hold the same prestige they once did, they remain an important part of the entertainment industry’s cultural fabric, blending cinema, spectacle, and controversy into an annual event that captivates audiences worldwide.
Similarly, Ahinsa Munasinghe, a longtime film enthusiast, shared her perspective on the ‘Oscars’ and their relevance.
“When I was younger, I paid a lot of attention to the ‘Oscars.’ It was harder for us to even get this type of information, but my husband was a film distributor, so staying updated on the awards was important to us.
“Even to this day, while it may feel irrelevant for us in Sri Lanka, it really isn’t, because our cinema industry is somewhat stagnant and we can take a page out of other industries’ playbooks if we pay attention to what they are doing.”
It would seem that while the influence of the ‘Oscars’ has evolved, the awards remain a key indicator of industry trends and shifts in cinematic storytelling. Whether viewed as a celebration of artistry or simply an entertainment spectacle, the awards continue to captivate audiences, spark discussions, and shape the future of global cinema.
Regardless of the outcomes, this year’s ceremony promises to be yet another fascinating chapter in the ever-evolving world of film.