23 National Nightmares We’ve Already Overcome

Courtesy: Los Angeles Times

#16: Oscar Snubs

We so badly need to do better here. The statistics are appalling. And it’s hard, because entertainment awards seem like most arbitrary, self-serving concept in the world. But even though it’s easy to operate under the assumption that these awards don’t matter, the truth is that things like Oscar nominations can serve both as a barometer of our current cultural climate and influence what’s to come. If minorities continue to be ignored in this arena, it’s not because it was an off year, or because minority-helmed movies just didn’t exist. It’s because Hollywood is taking cues from the rest of the world, who continue to actively choose to only pay attention to those already at the top. Subsequently, the world will then look to one of the most influential nights in pop culture of the year and think, “If they don’t have to care about people of color, gay people, and women, I guess that’s what we’re doing now!” Art influences life influences art, and we need to stop the pattern somewhere. And, tbh, art seems like a much easier commodity to manipulate than LIFE.

We gotta pull it together, America. Not just because pointedly ignoring more than half of the population’s work is appalling, but because as we continue to send cues to minority filmmakers that their work doesn’t matter, we then miss out on the incredible work they’re capable of producing. And also because goddammit Carol was the best movie of the last 1,000 years and gay director Todd Haynes was snubbed, and if you think Ava DuVernay didn’t deserve a nomination for Selma, you’re a liar and a FOOL. Give Viola Davis that Best Actress statue from 2012. Goodbye.