The Oscars: A Snapshot of Now, Not an All-Time Hall of Fame

So, the Oscars are around the corner, and guess what? According to a mysterious Academy insider, a lot of folks couldn’t care less about the films that are up for awards this year! This member spilled the beans, saying they haven’t even bothered to watch half of the nominated flicks—who has the time, right? They even threw in some sass about the Academy’s new rule that forces voters to actually watch all the films.

But wait, the cherry on top of this Oscar cupcake? Our anonymous friend boldly proclaimed, “The Oscars are pretty irrelevant now.” And then we hit a real thought bubble—it’s true, folks! Will anyone be still raving about Anora, CODA, or Everything Everywhere All At Once in five years? Meanwhile, classics like The Godfather and Lawrence of Arabia are like that old buddy you invite to every party—always a hit!

This letter dropped just days before the big awards show, and boy, did it stir the pot! But seriously, let’s clear the air: the Oscars aren’t about writing cinema history, they’re about taking a snapshot of the movie world in a specific year. It’s like Instagram, but for films, minus the filters!

Let’s talk about CODA, the little indie flick that took the world by storm after debuting at the Sundance Festival. It’s about a hearing daughter navigating life with her deaf family, and while it received a warm hug from audiences, let’s face it—not many are crowning it as the Best Picture of 2021 anymore. In fact, some might argue CODA has been overshadowed by big-budget giants like Dune and The Power of the Dog.

Did the Oscar voters mess up by giving CODA the nod? That’s a spicy take! Sure, the slap heard round the world by Mr. Will Smith at the ceremony might have more cultural relevance than the film itself! But hold your horses—CODA was actually the perfect fit for 2021, a year when everyone just wanted a feel-good movie while binge-watching on their couches. Let’s be real, who was ready to brave the cinema during a pandemic?

It’s simple math: with most folks yearning for cozy dramas perfect for Netflix, CODA hit the sweet spot. It wasn’t about forever; it was about what we needed to see after a long, tough year.

The Oscars are always a bit quirky and inconsistent, but that’s what keeps the conversation buzzing. Sure, some legendary films have been passed over in favor of more forgettable ones. For instance, can you even remember How Green Was My Valley compared to CITIZEN KANE? And no one in their right mind would pick Forrest Gump over Pulp Fiction—sorry, Quentin!

But remember, every year, the voters reflect on the films that defined that moment—not what will go down in history forever. So while we’re gearing up for another night of spectacle, don’t expect the Academy to give us the *ultra* definitive list of cinema’s best.

As we gear up to watch the 98th Academy Awards this Sunday, let’s just enjoy the debates this will bring come Monday morning. Sure, the choices might seem whimsical or random, but they represent what tickled the Academy’s fancy this year. So, let’s buckle up and enjoy the show!

The 98th Academy Awards will air on ABC and Hulu at 7 pm EST on Sunday, March 15, 2026.