Why Didn't Roma Win Best Picture at the Oscars?

The reasons for this outcome can vary, and a combination of factors likely contributed to the final results. Here are some potential reasons that could explain why Roma never won the Best Picture Oscar despite its strong contender status.

Competition

The film industry is a highly competitive field, and the Academy Awards are no exception. When a film like Roma competes against other powerful and highly publicized movies, it is challenging to secure the top spot. Major studios often have significant marketing and promotional campaigns, which can influence voter preferences.

Voter Preferences

The Academy's voting process is complex, and voter preferences can be unpredictable. Members of the Academy may have varying tastes and opinions about different aspects of the film. For Roma, while it was a critically acclaimed work with exceptional cinematography, performances, and stunning visuals, it may have lacked in the arena that the voting members prioritized that year.

Streaming vs. Traditional Film

Another significant factor is the increasing influence of streaming services. Roma was a traditional film in theaters, but it was produced by Netflix, a streaming giant. While creators may appreciate Netflix’s support for TV production, the Academy is traditionally more aligned with theatrical releases. The stigma against films that play in theaters for only a short time persisted, as theater owners and audiences are increasingly shifting towards home viewing.

Cultural Factors

The story and language of Roma may have been seen as a drawback by some members of the Academy. Shot in black and white with a fully Spanish dialogue, the film was a departure from the typical Hollywood narrative structure. This could have made it less appealing to those who prioritize a more conventional story and format.

Academy's Voting System

The Academy uses a preferential ballot system for Best Picture, where the movie with the least number of Rank 1 votes gets eliminated until a single movie has at least 51% of the overall votes. This system can sometimes obscure the overall quality of a film. Roma was undoubtedly a strong contender, praised for its cinematography, realistic performances, and breathtaking scenes. However, factors like its unconventional style and language may have detracted from its appeal in this specific voting process.

Green Book, on the other hand, portrayed a more traditional story with powerful performances by Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. This film addressed important issues such as racism, friendship, and romance, which resonated more with the Academy.

The Underlying Prejudice: "Movies" vs. Netflix's Content

A deeper prejudice exists regarding the nature of films and television. Many in the film industry believe that movies are inherently superior to TV content. While Roma had a limited theatrical run to qualify for the Oscars, the film was shot in a way that emphasized a traditional film-making process. However, the underlying belief that films should not compete with streaming content is still prevalent in the industry.

Netflix, with its success in TV production, cannot easily change its business model to compete in the high-stakes world of feature films, especially in prestigious categories like Best Picture. This makes the award unlikely to go to Netflix’s productions in the near future.

In conclusion, the combination of competition, unpredictable voter preferences, the streaming vs. traditional film divide, and cultural factors all played significant roles in the outcome of the Best Picture award. While Roma was a critically acclaimed masterpiece, the nature of the Academy's voting process and the entrenched prejudices in the film industry may have ultimately impacted its chances.