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Janet Yang and Bill Kramer Get Ready for Oscar Awards
March 1st, 2024
In a recent shift of tides, the Oscars have started to recapture the public’s attention and admiration. The decline in viewership and mishaps in previous years, such as the #OscarsSoWhite controversy and the infamous on-air blunder with the wrong envelope, seem to be part of the past as new leadership ushers in an era of revitalization for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. With diverse and global perspectives in this year's films and the inclusion of new award categories, excitement is building for the upcoming 96th Oscars.
Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy, alongside President Janet Yang, has noted a resurgence in enthusiasm for films and the Oscars itself, crediting an "amazing year for film" as a prime contributor to this phenomenon. The Academy's leadership has been instrumental in evolving the institution, recognizing its members' desire for unity and collaboration across the diverse branches of the film industry. With more than 10,500 members from over 75 countries, efforts to diversify have shown considerable progress. Women and underrepresented ethnic and racial communities now hold a more significant percentage of membership, reflecting a strive towards inclusivity.
Moreover, the Academy has become a platform for critical conversations, such as the ones held during recent strikes, discussing the colliding worlds of artificial intelligence and the impacts on marginalized groups within the industry. It is also proactive in driving industry change, demonstrated by the implementation of inclusion standards for the best picture award.
The Academy has embraced modernity by engaging the public through social channels, sharing a wealth of movie history that has bolstered interest in both the Oscars and the film medium. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has become a nexus for celebrating cinematic history and exploring the artistic endeavors behind moviemaking.
Looking to the future, Kramer and Yang are redefining success by considering the impact and engagement of the Oscars beyond the live event. They envision the Academy playing a pivotal role in the changing landscape of film consumption and production, assuming responsibility for guiding the institution through its next century. With the addition of categories like an award for casting directors, the Academy is showing a capacity for change and growth, while honoring its heritage as an emblematic pillar of the film community.
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💭 Discussion Questions
1
. What steps has the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences taken to improve inclusivity and reflect global perspectives in its membership?2
. How has the leadership of Bill Kramer and Janet Yang contributed to the resurgence of viewership and interest in the Oscars?3
. In what ways is the Academy engaging with modern audiences and adapting to the changing landscape of film consumption and production?📖 Vocabulary
🌐 Cultural context
The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, is an annual American ceremony honoring cinematic achievements in the film industry. It's a prestigious event followed globally, with past concerns over diversity and inclusivity. The #OscarsSoWhite controversy highlighted the lack of representation among nominees.
🧠 Further reading
96th Academy Awards
An esteemed celebration of cinematic excellence, the 96th Academy Awards, is set to recognize the finest films of 2023. This prestigious ceremony is planned to unfold at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, with the broadcast being handled by ABC. The production this year will be led by Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan with Hamish Hamilton directing. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel is primed to return as host, marking his fourth appearance after previous stints in 2017, 2018, and 2023.
The announcement of contenders for this gala took place on January 23, 2024, signaling a fierce competition exemplified by the film "Oppenheimer," which amassed an impressive 13 nominations. Others in close pursuit are “Poor Things” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” with 11 and 10 nominations, respectively.
Among the front-runners, the cultural marvel "Barbenheimer" has garnered outstanding attention, securing 21 combined nominations for "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer." These two features are slated to compete in six different categories, including the coveted Best Picture.
This year's nominations feature a cadre of industry titans and newcomers alike. Steven Spielberg has set a new record with thirteen Best Picture nominations. Martin Scorsese counts his tenth Best Director nod and makes history as the category's eldest nominee. Thelma Schoonmaker has been recognized with her ninth Best Film Editing nomination; celebrated composer John Williams has attained his 54th nod; and crew veteran Willie D. Burton celebrates his eighth nomination.
A notable aspect of the nominations this year is the recognition of diverse talents. Ten actors have been nominated for an Academy Award for the first time. Among the nominees are three openly LGBTQ+ actors — Colman Domingo, Jodie Foster, and Lily Gladstone — with Gladstone also having the distinction of being the first Indigenous American actress to receive a nomination. The anticipation for the victors grows, culminating
Social media
Social media represent a modern form of communication that enables users to produce, exchange, and compile information, personal interests, and different types of expression within virtual communities and online networks. These media have transformed the way individuals interact by emphasizing user participation.
A common characteristic of social media platforms is their basis in Web 2.0 technology, allowing for dynamic and interactive experiences. Central to these platforms is user-generated content, which encompasses everything from text posts, comments, and digital images to videos and the data produced during online interactions. This content drives social media.
The individuals who use these platforms create and manage personal profiles maintained by the social media company. Through these profiles, users can connect with others, forming intricate online social networks. The term 'social' highlights that these media prioritize the user experience and community engagement, serving as catalysts for establishing and nurturing human connections.
Access to social media services is typically through web applications on computers as well as through apps on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. By interacting with these digital services, users are part of a vibrant conversation where they can share, generate, discuss, and adapt content. Social media also serve as platforms for documenting memories, discovering new knowledge, promoting oneself, forging new relationships, and developing new ideas from blogs to podcasts to videos and even gaming.
The evolving relationship between humans and technology, exemplified by these social media platforms, is an area of study within the emerging field of technological self-studies. This field focuses on understanding how these digital tools are redefining human interaction and self-expression.
Vivien Leigh on stage and screen
Renowned for her enthralling performances on both stage and screen, British actress Vivien Leigh has solidified her place as a theatrical icon. Born in India in 1913 and later moving to England at the tender age of six, she received a well-rounded education from various European countries, mastering several languages along the way. Leigh's passion for performance saw her hone her skills at the respected Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, subsequently leading to her cinematic debut in the 1935 film "Things Are Looking Up."
Her dedication to the craft became increasingly evident through her intensive exploration of Shakespearean drama at The Old Vic theatre. It was here that she formed a significant partnership with Laurence Olivier, a fellow actor who would influence much of her professional and personal life. Together, they performed numerous stage productions, largely inspired by Shakespeare's vast body of work, and travelled extensively—including entertaining British troops in North Africa and touring with The Old Vic across continents—from Australia to South America.
Leigh's prowess in the acting world extended to the silver screen, where she made a remarkable imprint with just 19 films. She earned the highest cinematic accolade, the Academy Award for Best Actress, on two occasions. Her unforgettable portrayal of the fiery Scarlett O'Hara in the epic "Gone with the Wind" secured her first Oscar in 1939, a role she clinched after an exhaustive two-year casting search in Hollywood. Her second came from her stirring interpretation of Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire." Initially observed by playwright Tennessee Williams on the London stage, she was chosen for the film adaptation after an impressive run of 326 performances as DuBois in the London production.
Vivien Leigh's contribution to the arts was permanently commemorated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrating an extraordinary career that captivated audiences across the world. Her legacy remains anchored not just in her cinematic endeavors, but as a figure of immense talent and dedication to the dramatic arts