I am always fascinated with the speed at which some seemingly invincible institutions falter. See also:
- AOL
- Blockbuster
- Toys “R” Us
- Yahoo!
A seismic shift is moving beneath the ground on which a monolith stand. It seems to be as strong and infallible as ever, but then you see an ominous sign. Cracks appear in their otherwise gleaming facade.
The caretakers of the icon, instead of investigating the source of the cracks, scoff at the insignificance of the minor defects in the imposing structure. Perhaps they are truly clueless, but as likely, they are overawed with the challenge in moving the massive stone to a new and safer foundation.
Soon the cracks become deeper and more pronounced. Observers from within and without become concerned and provide suggestions to protect the monolith from further ravages. The protectorates of the institution wave away the suggestions. They scream blasphemy at any suggestion to alter the existing structure. They argue that such suggestions threaten the qualities that make the stone great. The destruction of the monolith does not decline gently. The structure crashes suddenly and violently. Those who have witnessed a dynamite-charged demolition of a building understand how quickly a once imposing structure can be turned to dust and rubble.
The Oscars experienced a ratings train-wreck in 2018.
The best picture nominees were an insult to movie lovers. This year should provide a better showing as movies that regular theater goers and not just film snobs have something to cheer for. The Grammys are catching up to the Oscars in popularity by standing still as the Oscars sink.
Even with some bigger box-office hits contending for the Best Picture category, the Oscars are still fundamentally flawed and stuck in a “sacred cow” mentality.
The Grammys have a number of categories to address different genres including rap/hip hop, country, pop, and even hard rock/heavy metal. They could probably dump heavy metal considering its waning popularity. The Grammys have been careful to be inclusive so that all music aficionados can see their musical heroes recognized. The Oscars have gone the other direction. Year after year they have turned their back on the most popular films.
Imagine if the Grammys froze the categories as long as the Oscars have. Rap and hip/hop would not have its own category and would have to compete in the R&B segment.
The Oscars need to shake things up. They need to embrace the box office smash hits that keep the lights on so Hollywood can pursue its artsy pet films which greedily gobble up the little bald headed statues.
Here is an easy 3 category solution to push in the right direction. Rather than a singular Best Picture award, the Oscars should have 3–4 best picture categories: Best Picture (Drama), Best Picture (Action/Thriller), Best Picture (Family).
There is much hand-wringing about keeping the show under 3 hours. Adding new categories is considered a taboo subject. Here are two categories that can be eliminated/combined in order to make room for the 3 Best Picture awards.
Best Short Documentary and Best Documentary can be combined into Best Documentary. Let short and long documentaries fight it out.
Best Animated Film can go away and compete in the Best Picture (Family) section.
Let’s see what happens when we have three best picture categories instead of one.
Instead of:
Best Animated Film
- Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse
- Incredibles 2
- Isle of Dogs
- Mirai
- Ralph Breaks the Internet
Best Film
- Bohemian Rhapsody
- The Favorite
- Black Panther
- Black KkKlansman
- Green Book
- Vice
- A Star is Born
- Roma
You would now have:
Best Picture (Family)
- Incredibles 2
- Crazy Rich Asians
- Mary Poppins Returns
- Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse
- Isle of Dogs
- Mirai
Best Picture (Action/Thriller)
- Black Panther
- Avengers: Infinity War
- Aquaman
- Deadpool 2
- Venom
- A Quiet Place
Best Picture (Drama)
- Bohemian Rhapsody
- A Star is Born
- Creed II
- Green Book
- Vice
- The Favorite
- Black KkKlansman
- Roma
Splitting the Best Picture would create some controversy and discussion. Should there also be a Best Picture (Horror) category? Should the Best Director category also be segmented? Should “Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse” be in the family or action/thriller category? Guess what? Controversy sells! Just look at our commander and chief and the career of Eminem.
Perhaps this suggested change is not a panacea that can reverse the Oscars’ declining viewership. Rather than idly sit by and watch the cracks grow, the Academy should start taking some chances. But what do I know. I didn’t even watch “The Shape of Water”.
