One Diversity Initiative Trump Can’t Destroy? The Oscars

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Pondering over Oscar voters compared to the broader American electorate seems somewhat peculiar to me. While the latter shapes the destiny of the country, the former decides who gets to deliver an acceptance speech at an awards ceremony.

However, the Academy’s nominee selections from last week appear to be an anomaly: a strong and significant counterargument to the rapid transformations taking place across the nation.

OR

Last week’s Academy nominees seem to buck the trend: they represent a firm and impactful response to the swiftly changing landscape of the country.

Both sentences convey the same meaning but are slightly rephrased for variety and readability.

Over the past few days, President Donald Trump’s executive orders have been using less ink due to his actions that limit representation for Black and brown individuals within the federal government; deploy troops to locate migrants in educational institutions and houses of worship; put millions of transgender people at risk by asserting only two genders exist; and, in a particularly heartless move, has stopped U.S. initiatives aimed at clearing landmines from overseas conflict zones as part of his America First policy. The term “pro-mine removal” is an unusual attempt to appeal to voters, but that’s the current situation.

The Academy has been in overdrive itself lately but in a very different spirit.

2021 marks the first instance where two international Oscar nominees have been included in the Best Picture category. Among them, “Emilia Perez,” a French-Mexican production, garnered more nominations than any non-English language film has ever received. The other unexpected addition is “I’m Still Here,” a Brazilian entry that took many pundits by surprise but was still recognized for Best Picture. Don’t forget about “Flow,” a dialogue-free Latvian movie depicting a post-apocalyptic animal kingdom, which managed to secure nominations in both the international and animated categories. It seems that these voters are looking beyond America’s borders.

The initial pair of movies either support or oppose the Trump administration’s policies. “Emilia Perez” delves into the profound human experience of a transgender individual, while “I’m Still Here” is surprisingly thought-provoking, covertly depicting the risks associated with the shift towards authoritarianism during Brazil’s right-wing military dictatorship in the 1970s. If you fail to discern the warning sign in this historical reflection, you might not be looking closely enough.

These barely touch upon their depth: “The Brutalist,” a story of an immigrant’s battles and victories, and “Wicked,” detailing life under fascism, each earned ten nominations. (Marc Platt, the producer of “Wicked,” who has been vocal about the film’s connections to contemporary politics, stated in an interview that he believed the movie provided a roadmap for the present to have the courage to express one’s voice and challenge those in power.) “A Real Pain” and “September 5,” both focusing on the trauma experienced by Jewish people, a topic regrettably suppressed by both extremes, each received screenplay nominations.

In a stunning turn of events, the film Nickel Boys, which delves into the haunting reminders of racial violence, managed to secure nominations for both Best Picture and Best Screenplay, defying expectations of some critics who had initially dismissed it.

Lastly, Sebastian Stan, famously known for his role as The Apprentice character, who delivers an exceptionally revealing portrayal of Trump, was awarded the best actor recognition. At a moment when many people are concerned about Hollywood figures evading Trump, the Academy boldly acknowledges the man with the courage to dance with him.

The main motivation behind this (besides fostering a sense of purpose in voters) is undeniably an initiative aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This movement dates back to 2016, when the Academy was striving to broaden its horizons by including individuals from various backgrounds, nationalities, and life experiences. This change is irreversible, as evident in the decisions made that reflect its enduring presence.

It seems you’re questioning the impact of the Academy honoring films that tackle social issues. Well, even if some movies receive awards, it doesn’t necessarily translate into policy changes, right? Some might argue that this just highlights Hollywood’s lack of power to effect real change. Meanwhile, Trump is pushing for a shift in government direction. The Academy, on the other hand, seems more concerned with keeping viewers tuned in rather than instigating change.

However, I’d counter that these actions indeed carry significant weight. Trump’s policies aren’t merely substantial – they’re also symbolic. They serve as a manifestation to the global audience of what 2025 America stands for: a society where migrants are abruptly displaced from churches, transgender individuals lose access to medical care, people of color are assured that employment practices are impartial, and lives in foreign lands hold less importance than those within our borders. It’s a reflection of our moral compass – or perhaps the absence of it.

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: The Academy isn’t just about the glitz and glamour; it’s also a beacon of symbolic significance. Globally, millions tune in to the Oscars to catch a glimpse of what America represents. But this year, they’ll witness something starkly different – a world that champions stories of transgender individuals, empathizes with immigrants, values global connections, and grapples with issues like racism, anti-Semitism, and nativism. It’s a place that views the world not just as a source of wealth but as a classroom for understanding.

I inquired from RaMell Ross, the creative mind behind the film “Nickel Boys“, whether or not he believed that the Academy’s selections carried significance. This is his response:

(Or)

I sought out RaMell Ross, the writer-director of “Nickel Boys“, to find out if he felt Academy Awards were important. Here’s what he shared:

While it’s an overstatement to claim that awards or films directly transform lives, they can subtly contribute to significant changes in the world in an intangible manner. Perhaps they influence people’s voting choices or their perspectives on policy, not immediately but gradually. It’s like a small ripple in a pond, causing a shift in direction that may not be apparent at first, but is profoundly impactful. These experiences help me perceive things from a new angle, opening up insights I hadn’t considered before.

It’s something, in other words, that we need more than ever.

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2025-01-28 17:55