Oscars again. Hmph.

What do you think of the Oscars?

For me it seems that somewhere along the way the less than 6,000 voting academy members seem to have moved firmly to the opposite side of a growing divide between them and the viewing public. I find it annoyingly arrogant! Of course there is the argument that the most popular movies and performances are not necessarily the most deserving (reference here, sadly, any number of silly, crass, unintelligent offerings). But surely the greater public are deserving of at least something in the way of a respectful nod?

I remember seeing some figures and statistics some years ago which indicated that Hollywood increasingly chooses to finance and make MA or R rated movies, in spite of the much greater popularity and money producing ability of G rated movies. Why do they do that? Why the desire to constantly 'push the boundaries' and shock the sensibilities of the majority of the viewing public, even in the face of clear evidence that a much better financial return can be expected from outlays toward movies that families like to see. What other gain is there for 'them' that is even more important than a financial one?

As for the Oscars - it seems that the more morally liberal the movie, the greater the support from the Academy, again in the face of obvious dissatisfaction and disagreement from the typical movie goer. To wit such raw and dismal offerings as, 'There Will Be Blood', 'Brokeback Mountain', 'Monster', etc, etc...

And then there are the politically rather than meritoriously motivated votes.. Perhaps Catherine Bigelow will win because her direction of 'Hurt Locker' genuinely deserves an Oscar win, (I don't know because I haven't seen it) - but I hope she doesn't win because of the Academy's desire to 'remedy' the 'embarrassing' deficient (actually absence), of a winning female director thus far in the history of the Oscars.

I lost virtually all respect for the Oscars when Russell Crowe failed to win the Best Actor for 'A Brilliant Mind', even while the film won Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress. It's hard to believe that he did not deserve the award, since his performance was what carried the picture.

Do I sound too passionate about all this? :) It's only movies, and it's only awards, but it's the injustices that get to me..! If you are going to have an awards system, please let it be valid, and fair. And preferably what you and I can appreciate and relate to! :)