Are the Oscars Just Hype? Why Other Countries Should (or Shouldn’t) Care
Every year, Hollywood rolls out its biggest red carpet for the Academy Awards aka the Oscars. With glittering gowns, teary speeches, and 18.7 million viewers tuning in in 2024, it’s easily the most glamorous night in cinema. But outside the U.S., does this glitzy event really matter? Or is it just Hollywood’s overhyped party that the rest of the world watches out of habit?
Let’s break it down without the jargon and with all the real talk.
Why the Oscars Feel Like a Big Deal
The Oscars aren’t just an American award show they’ve become a global pop-culture event. Here’s why:
- Massive Global Reach: In 2024, the Oscars drew 18.7 million live viewers, with millions more catching highlights on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram.
- Trendsetters in Pop Culture: Whether it’s red carpet fashion, viral speeches, or meme-worthy moments, Oscar night shapes global conversations.
- Career-Changing Power: An Oscar win can skyrocket actors and directors into worldwide fame, unlocking new opportunities.
For countries with smaller film industries like Denmark, Mexico, or Jordan just a nomination can bring massive attention. Look at Parasite from South Korea it didn’t just win Best Picture in 2019, it turned global eyes toward Korean cinema.
Is It All Just Hype?
Now here’s the real talk. For many people and countries, the Oscars feel more like a hype machine than a true celebration of global cinema. Why?
- Hollywood Bias: The Academy’s 10,000+ voters are mostly from the U.S., so American films naturally dominate. Only five non-English films have ever won Best Picture in 97 years.
- Thriving Local Film Scenes: Nations like India (Bollywood), Nigeria (Nollywood), and South Korea have huge, loyal audiences. Their local film awards like India’s National Film Awards are often more meaningful.
- Disconnect from Reality: Many Oscar winners focus on topics that don’t always reflect everyday struggles in places like Lagos, Mumbai, or Manila.
Take RRR from India. Its song “Naatu Naatu” bagged an Oscar, but let’s be honest it was already a global phenomenon. The film didn’t need Hollywood’s validation to become a hit.
How the Oscars Still Matter to the World
Despite the criticisms, the Oscars can still make a huge difference for filmmakers across the globe:
- Global Attention: Films like Roma (Mexico, 2018) and Drive My Car (Japan, 2021) found worldwide audiences after their Oscar buzz.
- Box Office Boost: An Oscar win can increase a film’s box office take by millions great news for smaller production companies.
- Amplifies Diversity: Wins by films like Moonlight (2017) and Everything Everywhere All At Once (2023) pushed conversations about race, identity, and inclusivity across borders.
In countries like Iran, South Africa, or Chile, even a nomination can be a game-changer for funding, exposure, and cultural pride.
Why Chasing Oscars Can Be a Bad Idea
That said, obsessing over the Oscars can hurt more than help, especially for non-Hollywood industries:
- Oscar Bait Syndrome: Some filmmakers start tailoring stories just to impress the Academy, leading to boring, formulaic content.
- Losing Cultural Identity: In trying to “appeal to the West,” filmmakers might dilute their cultural roots.
- Unfair Playing Field: With mostly American voters, international films often get stuck in the “Best International Feature” category even if they deserve Best Picture.
Countries like China, India, and Nigeria don’t need Oscars to validate their cinematic success. Their industries thrive on local love and grassroots energy.
Striking the Right Balance: Care, But Don’t Obsess
So, are the Oscars just hype? Yes and no.
They’re valuable when used smartly as a platform for exposure, networking, and celebrating powerful stories. But countries don’t need to obsess over them. Here’s how to strike the balance:
- Celebrate Global Wins: Use Oscar buzz to uplift local talent and attract a wider audience.
- Stay Authentic: Don’t trade your cultural voice for global approval.
- Build Your Own Legacy: Invest in national awards and homegrown platforms that celebrate regional stories.
The Oscars might be Hollywood’s party, but they’re not the only one worth RSVPing to.
What’s Your Take?
Are the Oscars a symbol of international cinema greatness or just Hollywood hype dressed in designer? Whether you’re tuning in from Mumbai, Seoul, Lagos, or Buenos Aires, tell us what you think. Drop a comment and let’s talk cinema!
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FAQs About the Oscars and Their Global Impact
1. Are the Oscars overhyped?
Yes, sometimes. They’re a massive U.S.-cenOscars just hype
tric event, but often feel out of sync with non-American audiences.
2. Why do countries outside the U.S. care about the Oscars?
Because they offer global exposure, funding opportunities, and prestige for filmmakers and industries.
3. Do non-English films win major Oscars?
Rarely. Only five non-English films have won Best Picture in Oscar history.
4. Can the Oscars shape global pop culture?
Absolutely! Oscar moments often go viral and influence fashion, music, and social movements worldwide.
5. Should countries focus on their own awards instead?
Yes, but it’s about balance. Oscars offer global reach, but local awards connect deeper with home audiences.
6. How can I watch the Oscars outside the U.S.?
You can stream it on platforms like Hulu, Disney+, or follow live updates on X and YouTube.