Often times, Oscar season is filled with movies that have not been seen by mass audience, these movies don't smash box office records, and they're rarely the type of films that I would choose for a good night out, although with La La Land and Hidden Figures on the list, there are exceptions.
While I don't typically hear a lot of frustration coming from film students, people who just go to the movies for fun or because they're interested in the topic tend to vent some frustration around this time. This is completely understandable -- it's hard to see movies that you loved and talked about get skipped over.
However, I wanted to offer a different way at looking the whole event. Rather than looking at the Oscars as an entity that deliberately avoids 'mainstream' movies, I prefer to look at them as a group that brings movies that I wouldn't normally consider seeing to the forefront.
In my mind, there is definitely an artistry to film and there always has been. Even in movies I do choose to see for entertainment, there are artistic elements. But movies that deal with more challenging issues or are just unpopular in nature for whatever reason, often try different techniques that can create beautiful moments and shots. The Oscars highlighting these movies encourages me to pick them out and see them.
Beyond that, the idea of some recognition, gives these types of movies a reason to exist. Otherwise they might seem like a waste of time and money to create and I, for one, would be sad to see them go. They tend to highlight where our culture is and what we consider important.
Consider the movies listed for best picture: Arrival, Fences, Hacksaw Ridge, Hell or High Water, Hidden Figures, La La Land, Lion, Manchester by the Sea, and Moonlight.
I would argue that these movies do reflect our society. From a general theme standpoint, these moves address racial inequality, war, poverty and economic development or lack-there-of, dreams, our need for understanding, sexuality inequality, and more. I haven't seen all of them yet so I can't pull out themes from every movie but I do believe each film is worth watching.
They are not only expansions to the artistry of film but they are also clear snapshots of our culture -- of what is considered important. And this can be on a wide scale political level or on a small, personal level. Not every movie is looking to make a statement about the state of the world, but every movie is pulling on relevant themes within the existing world. For this reason, every film nominated -- even if they are not the most easily accessible or entertaining to watch -- does have a place. To me, highlighting these types of movies are a huge part of why the Oscars exist and are important.
