Oscar Boredom, esq.

I realised this morning that the Academy Awards took place at the weekend, and I hadn't even paid it the slightest bit of attention. In times past I used to sit up and watch the whole thing and take delight in trying to second-guess what might win each category and award myself little prizes if my prediction was correct. Usually, that prize would invariably be something alcoholic, which might explain why I was so enthusiastic in my viewing. Plus, as long-time readers might have noticed, I do like attaching myself to big annual events and making my own little private party based around them (see - for instance - the US Masters, the Super Bowl, etc..)
Thing is, as a fan of movies, I used to get caught up in the whole glamour and glitz and excitement of the whole thing. It really did used to feel like a big celebration of the art of film, with all the best exponents of that industry coming together to enjoy an evening out where some of them were rewarded, but all of them were appreciated. And I don't think that's the case anymore. Like so many other cultural icons, it has lost itself in the ever-changing, fast-moving world of the internet, where everyone everywhere has an opinion to share and feels justified on forcing it on others online, and where we all pass judgement on things the instant we see them, and then move on. No-one needs a room full of mega-rich celebrities patting each other on the back nine months later to let us know whether a film is worth watching, or is any good. We have all made our conclusions on our own, and read the words of countless others who have done the same. So things like the Oscars now feel like a bit of an outdated, over-hyped waste of time.
I'm also fed up with the winners all trying to outdo each other when it comes to sob stories, 'look where I am now' speeches and soundbites. If I think someone is terrific at acting, it doesn't mean I want to know what they think about the Middle East crisis, any more than I would want someone who is an excellent butcher to be giving me their thoughts on climate change. If my mum has dementia, I want to hear from an expert, not someone who is so caught up in their own fabricated self-importance that they feel justified in spouting their views from a podium. And I feel the same way about celebrities. Yes, feel free to use your platform to 'highlight issues' but I don't need you to tell me what's wrong with the world, and how you think we should fix it. Just pick up your gold statue, thank the Academy, say something self-deprecating and funny, and get the Hell off the stage.
The whole thing now strikes me as a grandiose, unnecessary, self-serving, ego-driven and ego-inflating, shameless, inappropriate, elitist, snobbish parade of plastic surgery and platitudes.
And that's why I'm glad I don't watch it anymore.
(But it obviously still niggles me, as I've just written 500 words about it without pausing for breath!)

RC 12-3-24