`Sing Sing Snubbed by Oscars`

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I frequently attempt to guess which films will be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, much like many movie enthusiasts. It’s not about boasting, but I must admit that I’m usually quite accurate. Not only can I typically predict the nine or ten movies that will make the list (I only missed one this year), I’ve even managed to guess the eventual Best Picture winner before the nominees were announced. After understanding the formulaic and political nature of the Oscars, making such predictions becomes feasible and is quite an entertaining party trick.

For the past year, whenever someone asked me about my prediction for the Best Picture nominees, I would confidently state that “Greg Kwedar’s and A24’s prison drama ‘Sing Sing'” was my top pick. In fact, I went as far as to express my belief that “Sing Sing” would take home the award for Best Picture. However, I was left in shock when it turned out that “Sing Sing” wasn’t even considered a contender for the award.

‘Sing Sing’ Goes Beyond Great Cinema

The eagerly awaited nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were announced, but unfortunately, to my dismay, Sing Sing did not make the list of nominees. Indeed, I am disappointed that this turn of events has tarnished my reputation as a reliable award show prognosticator. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that Sing Sing, with its unique blend of authenticity and emotional resonance, stands out as one of the most remarkable films to emerge recently, particularly during this awards season.

To add to that, (in a positive way)… A film about an arts reformation program in a penitentiary, featuring actual ex-prisoners who went through the program, along with two previous Academy Award nominees (Colman Domingo and Paul Raci), Sing Sing serves as much as a tool for transformation as it does a movie. Here’s why I firmly think that Sing Sing deserved a nomination for Best Picture, and why it was the most disappointing snub of the season.

A Profound True Story

The movie “Sing Sing” is inspired by actual events involving the implementation of the Rehabilitation Through Arts (RTA) Program at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York. It chronicles a group of prisoners as they engage in creating their own plays with assistance from volunteers, most notably their instructor Brent, portrayed by Raci. The central figure is Divine G (Domingo), who was wrongly convicted for a crime. Divine G finds solace and excels within the RTA program, assuming both acting and scriptwriting roles.

The team is gearing up for their next stage performance, fresh off the back of a successful stint with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. But when a recent addition to the program, Divine Eye, questions and defies the sacredness of theater, the whole group embarks on a voyage to understand the healing power of acting. This exploration will help them find a means of escape from prison life and offer fresh insights into it as well. Meanwhile, throughout the storyline, Divine G is also grappling with an ongoing parole hearing.

The film “Sing Sing,” which explores unconventional friendships, ponders the philosophy behind one’s circumstances, and delivers unexpected humor, was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay. It is based on various works penned by former students or faculty members of a particular program.

In the movie, only Domingo and Raci are recognized as professional actors. The rest of the cast members had previously been inmates at Sing Sing and participated in the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. This is similar to the film “Nomadland,” which features real-life nomads in its cast, winning the Best Picture award. If you didn’t know beforehand that the men in “Sing Sing” weren’t professional actors, you wouldn’t have guessed it while watching the movie. Each cast member delivers a truly exceptional performance, with Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin standing out as he portrays himself. His moving performance deserved recognition for a supporting actor nomination.

Prison Reform and Social Impact

Beyond simply being a film that stirs emotions and prompts deep thought,
On January 17th, Sing Sing made history as the first movie to debut in both cinemas and prisons concurrently. I find it particularly troubling that despite this unique accomplishment, Sing Sing’s snub in being overlooked by the Academy is especially poignant. Given its heartfelt portrayal of a largely unaddressed issue (prison reform) within our society, the film managed to shed light on a crucial social matter with both grace and creativity. Yet, despite its nomination for three Oscars, this recognition falls short of what it truly deserves.

Among my favorite actors currently working is Colman Domingo, and I’m thrilled that he received recognition. I’m also pleased that both the screenplay and the original song (“Like a Bird,” truly outstanding) were nominated. However, it seems somewhat calculated and disrespectful not to nominate for some of the more prestigious categories while still acknowledging other categories – especially in a season where questionable films like Emilia Pérez are not only nominated but breaking records. It’s deeply disheartening to see a masterpiece like “Sing Sing” overlooked.

It’s understandable that I may not express shock, given the Academy’s tradition of showcasing films dealing with social issues and experiences of minorities for predominantly white, wealthy, and able-bodied audiences. However, the film Sing Sing, unlike others in this category, is genuinely dedicated to fostering change and education among both general viewers and the subjects of the film itself. As such, my habitual expectation has often been confounded, but this instance could very well be the breaking point.

Absolutely, from a broader perspective, one might think that awards aren’t of utmost importance; however, when a heartwarming, human-centric, and influential film like “Sing Sing” is overlooked in favor of others, it sparks significant concerns about the award systems themselves and the influence we bestow upon them.

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2025-02-02 19:32