Philosophical Perspectives on the Oscars and Global Cinema: Beyond the Myth of American dominance

For many years, there has been a prevailing belief that the Oscars, or more specifically the prestigious Academy Awards, are primarily an "American award program." This perception has been fueled by the clear American talent that often dominates award ceremonies and, in some cases, seemed to overshadow non-American submissions. However, a critical examination of the Oscars reveals a more nuanced and evolving landscape, one that is both inclusive and challenging.

Exhibit A: The Myth and Reality of American Dominance

The belief that the Oscars are an American awards program is largely a myth. Consider Gone With The Wind. This quintessential American movie and winner of the Best Picture Oscar was far from being a purely American production. Vivien Leigh, a prominent British actress, delivered what is arguably the most memorable performance, yet the Academy Awards chose to overlook her in the Best Actress category, focusing instead on Clark Gable. This is just one instance that highlights the Oscars' history of considering non-American and non-English language films.

The Oscars have always had a category dedicated to non-American submissions, showcasing a commitment to global cinema. However, there is indeed an innate preference for American talent, which has consistently led to the overlooking of better non-American movies. This has led to frustration among filmmakers and critics alike, sparking debates about whether the Academy Awards should abandon their homegrown bias or explicitly exclude non-American movies and reshape their title.

The Case of Parasite: A Turning Point?

The recent victory of Parasite at the 92nd Academy Awards marks a significant moment in the evolving landscape of the Oscars. This Korean film not only broke the barriers of being an American award program but also proved itself as a contender on the global stage. The recognition of Parasite highlights the need for the Oscars to acknowledge the contributions of global cinema more fully.

For once, the other foot has received the recognition it deserves. This shift means that the awards ceremony is no longer solely a showcase for Hollywood. It now aims to highlight and celebrate the global film industry, including the amazing films produced in countries like South Korea. However, this transition comes with challenges. If the Oscars were to seriously pursue this path, the number of actual American movies being nominated would likely decline, leading to a more balanced representation of global cinema.

The Importance of Global Recognition

The victory of Parasite has significant implications for the global film industry. Korean cinema has a rich and diverse history, with many films possessing high production values and compelling narratives that deserve greater recognition in the West. The recognition of Parasite is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done to ensure that talented filmmakers from around the world are given the same opportunities as their American peers.

It is crucial for the Oscars and other major film awards to continue to embrace a more inclusive and global approach. This means not only including more non-American films in the nominations but also ensuring that the winners truly reflect the diversity of the global film industry. The recognition of Parasite serves as a reminder of the power of global cinema and the importance of giving it the attention it deserves.

As the film industry continues to evolve and globalize, it is imperative that the Oscars and similar awards bodies adapt to reflect this reality. The myth of the Oscars being an American award program is gradually eroding, and it is time for the awards to fully embrace their role as a global authority in cinema.

Keywords: Oscar Awards, Global Cinema, Non-American Film, Awards Bias