Anticipating the Oscars

Each year, the actors, directors, and musicians who work to create the Hollywood magic we all love are honored at the Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards. The small golden statue is an irrefutable sign that their contribution to film history is valuable enough to be immortalized, and for many artists, it is a dream they work towards their entire career. But, how is such a monumental decision made?

The process begins long before official nominees are announced. The nominee is first submitted to the Academy board, a group of highly qualified and respected industry experts, usually by a fellow artist from the same field (as the Oscars’ website states, “actors nominate actors, film editors nominate film editors, etc.”) Film festivals and other awards ceremonies, such as the Golden Globes, then set the stage for the nominee selection, identifying the candidates that are standing out to other industry experts. Finally, in late January, five nominees are named for each award. The nominees then have to wait—advocating for themselves or their work all the while—until March, when the glittering night of the awards settles the winners.

This year, many prominent movies and actors have been nominated for Oscars. The highly acclaimed film "Oppenheimer" secured multiple nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Additionally, Lily Gladstone's powerful performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon” earned her the title of the first Native American to be nominated in the Best Actress category. While industry insiders speculate on potential winners, the true excitement lies in the unpredictability of the Oscars. 

In conclusion, the Oscars remain a pinnacle of the entertainment industry, recognizing the exceptional contributions of actors, directors, and musicians. The meticulous nomination process, coupled with the excitement surrounding potential winners, underscores the prestige of the Academy Awards. As anticipation builds for this year's nominees, the industry eagerly awaits the crowning moments that immortalize outstanding achievements in the ever-evolving world of cinema.

Madelyn Collier

Hi there! My name is Madelyn Collier, and I am a senior in my second year of journalism. I love writing for the Crown and Shield, especially the Op-Ed and Arts & Entertainment sections. Outside of journalism, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.

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