In recent years, it feels as if the Oscars were a popularity contest, whatever films were popular among the critics ended up winning and the ones popular among the fans fell short. There have been a number of fan favorite snubs: Singing in the Rain (1952) was not nominated for any Oscars although now it is garnered as one of the best musicals ever made, Pam Grier never received a Best Actress nomination for her role in Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown (1997), Hoop Dreams (1994) never received a nomination for Best Documentary, Do The Right Thing (1989) wasn’t nominated for any Oscars now it is seen as one of the best expressions of autuership.
However, on Monday April 21st, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that all members will, from now on, be required to watch all nominated films; no matter the category. Another important point, Academy members’ eligibility to make their final vote will now be contingent on them watching all nominated films.
According to Jack Coyle of the Associated Press, “In recent years, what films get watched by academy members has been increasingly seen as a significant factor in what wins. At the same time, the publication of anonymous Oscar ballots has often featured members confessing that they didn’t get around to watching some notable films or not finishing lengthier nominees.” Some voters even go as far as giving films bad reviews on their ballot, not giving a film their vote because of how it made them feel. Some would say this isn’t a good thing, but the fact of the matter is that film is supposed to evoke emotion. It’s normal for people not to like something because of how it made them feel.
However, what shouldn’t happen is the complete dismissal of films, especially if one wasn’t seen. Because the fact of the matter is true, no voter watches every film. Thankfully, the Academy has found a way to remedy this. Previously, the voting was overseen by the Academy’s accounting firm, Price Water Cooper (PWC). Now the Academy is planning to track voters, and what they watch, in a digital screening room followed by a form.
Many fans are happy about this idea, it allows for all films to get a fair chance to win an Oscar. This is just another step in the right direction, as it allows voters to see all films to their completion. This gives voters the chance to see films holistically, as fans do.