Not a thread started for debate about opinions of this year's best movies or performances, but OK if it devolves into that.
I have come to be indifferent about the Oscars -- or any of the myriad awards that the entertainment industry bestows mostly upon its already famed and well-rewarded talent. I enjoyed it as a kid and looked forward to it (60's and 70's), but I doubt I'll watch a minute of it tonight. Hours of pomp, "who are you wearing", usually with some faux-feeling political / social statements that I usually agree with but am yet nauseated by.
I do have some thoughts about the latest issue having to do with the historic paucity of roles/films that feature people of color -- and thus, a corresponding lack of Oscar nominations for people of color. Cautiously putting this out there. I think, like any capitalist industry, the film industry is driven by money -- and is driven to fund movies that give the movie studio its best shot for a lucrative box office.
Is it the studios' thoughtful calculation that "White movies" stand a better chance at the box office than "African-American movies"?
Is this discrimination by the movie industry? Or is this a response to the true (perhaps subconscious) bias/discrimination that occurs in society that makes movies featuring white movie stars, or white-person-based stories, more interesting to white (majority) audiences... I understand the advocates for increasing opportunities for people of color in the industry -- but it sure presents an interesting and important reflection for our country. I won't call ANY of this "racism", but there is little doubt in my mind that there remains a bias about race that continues to permeate the subconscious and impacts our decision-making -- effecting equality and access. This year's Oscars apparently feature two highly acclaimed movies that feature predominently African-American casts. Perhaps this is a trend? But interesting how movies, despite token roles, still tend to have casts that are predominently one race or the other (I am aware that there are exceptions). Could it be that art is immitating life -- if so, what is "art" saying about life in America.
Just wondering whether others here have thoughts about this.