As a film critic who has spent decades observing the ebb and flow of Hollywood, I must say that this year’s Oscar contenders seem to be more than just entertaining escapism – they are a reflection of our society’s struggles and a call to action.
For those on the progressive side of Hollywood, the importance of the Oscars competition could appear insignificant amidst the widespread anxiety about Donald Trump‘s second term. However, if you take a moment to gather your thoughts, you’ll recognize that we’ve faced similar situations in the past.
In 2017, the triumph at the awards season symbolized Hollywood’s opposition to the presidency of Donald Trump, as the unexpected win for the movie “Moonlight” occurred only a few months after the impact of the 2016 election. This film, which portrayed sensitive and poignant themes of racial prejudice and sexual oppression amidst the destructive influence of toxic masculinity, represented vulnerable progressive ideals and served as a stark warning of the potential victims in the upcoming Trump administration.
In the heat of the Moonlight campaign in January 2017, before the inauguration, Director Barry Jenkins boldly acknowledged the undercurrents of resistance. During his acceptance speech at the National Board of Review, he subtly addressed the broader context. “As we strive to make America great once more,” he stated, “let’s not forget some seemingly insignificant aspects of our history because, at one point, someone like me was overlooked.” Jenkins emphasized that the potential for transformation remains, even in the face of what may seem insurmountable.
This year’s Oscar nominees carry powerful themes of disenfranchisement and resilience, offering a hopeful vision for the nation amidst challenging circumstances. While the Oscars won’t rescue American democracy, they could spark renewed interest in national issues among moviegoers. There’s been much discussion about the current overlap between entertainment and media, with some young people preferring podcasts like Joe Rogan’s to traditional news sources such as the New York Times. This year’s Oscar contenders might not influence that audience significantly. However, they too are using entertainment to promote meaningful change.
Let’s examine some of the defining scenes from the leading contenders: A freelancer, hailing from both Russia and America, squares off against the wealthy elite on a runway. A secretively transgender individual expresses her longing for self-disclosure through hushed rapping. The iconic Liberty Statue is depicted hanging upside down, symbolizing a fading pledge to overjoyed newcomers.
These impactful scenes – taken from potential Academy Award nominees such as “Anora”, “Emilia Pérez” and “The Brutalist” – could easily be found in recent American Democratic campaign advertisements. Reflecting the rhythm of modern progressive societies, they address themes of social inequality and suppression, combining a sense of ominous uncertainty with fleeting rays of optimism. They are Oscar-worthy productions with an edge, offering a compelling argument for something more profound than the usual glamour and superficial virtue-signaling associated with awards season.
“The Brutalist
The novel “The Brutalist” serves as a chilling and surprisingly relevant reflection on the discrepancies between the American dream of opportunity for immigrants and the persistent injustices that prevent it from becoming a reality for many. This work suggests that calls for immigration reform are often rooted in the belief that America symbolizes a melting pot, but the wealthy character in “The Brutalist” never truly values László beyond seeing him as a temporary asset to be discarded once his usefulness has expired. The novel proposes that genuine immigration reform will necessitate not just improved border policies, but also enhanced respect and care for those fortunate enough to make it across.
For U.S. citizens who see Donald Trump as a caricatured reality-TV personality now endangering American values, they may find resonance in Brody’s character’s wakeup call. On the other hand, those who favor Trump’s stricter border control policies might struggle with the movie “The Brutalist,” but it offers a way to connect nonetheless – by emphasizing that America not only embraces immigrants out of ideals, but also depends on their work to function. To continue this, the country should remain a haven, not a fortified stronghold with sharpened walls.
Meanwhile, Anora is a tribute to the challenging journey towards stability in a nation that demands relentless hustle from its lower-class citizens. The film takes viewers on an exhilarating rollercoaster ride through a variety of unexpected shifts in tone – from screwball comedy to grim satire and poignant sorrow – showcasing a captivating sense of unpredictability. Following an election year marked by contentious speech and doubt about both our political and economic paths, Anora serves as a gauge of the sentiments of those uncertain or apprehensive about the election’s outcome. It poignantly reflects their teary exhaustion in its final moments, as two characters brought together by fate embody the frustrations of their precarious futures.
Equally significant, Emilia Pérez lends cinematic expression to the empowering call that trans rights are equal to human rights. Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical offers a vibrant journey, merging the sentimentality of “The Greatest Showman” with the raw setting of “Narcos.” Some members of the LGBTQ community might take issue with its straightforward portrayal of transition, but the Netflix film’s captivating song and dance sequences make its subject matter more accessible to audiences who may have been previously resistant. In this regard, the film mirrors the Academy Award-winning tearjerker “Philadelphia” from three decades ago, using familiar cinematic techniques to bring identities into mainstream acceptance.
On Saturday evening, it was the Los Angeles debut for the musical contender, “Wicked”. Known for its enchanting series of showstoppers that introduced Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel to the world, “Wicked” also delves into themes of discrimination, ostracization, and persecution by a tyrannical ruler and his oppressive regime. Beneath the sugary-sweet stage aesthetics and captivating melodies lies another message: the chilling reality of an authoritarian figure expelling the blameless.
Producer Marc Platt reportedly pulled no punches on the premiere stage, according to social media reports calling “very prophetic” its years-old book and script. “What you’re about to see tonight I want you to remember because I think it will resonate and feel so relevant to you…and reflect the lives you’re living and the world you live in,” he said.
The splashy-musical context is telling: While these contenders have cogent ideas about society’s most pressing hurdles, they are also emotionally resonant popular entertainments, which can make them stronger vessels for facilitating change than activist slogans. Most audiences don’t want lectures. Stories, however, go down a lot easier. And by showing inaccessible “others” as conflicted everyday people, these movies also suggest new terms of social engagement. Oscar season won’t extend an olive branch to the Barstool Sports bros anytime soon, but the current best picture contenders make a vital case for more listening all around.
As a gamer, I can see that the movie industry truly values the Oscars for reasons beyond just boosting their reputation. For us in the film world, the award season serves as a chance to discover our own ideal representation – a beacon of what we aspire to create. It’s like a call to action, urging America and the rest of us to strive towards that vision too.
In 2017, the victory of “Moonlight” mirrored and sparked a desire for transformation during the Trump era, and the decisions the Academy is about to make are likely to have the same effect.
This story appeared in the Nov. 13 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
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2024-11-11 22:55