Celebrities are as sensitive as children when it comes to losing, except maybe worse, because kids only cry, while adults cry foul.
I love watching the Academy Awards. The fashion, celebs, speeches, and tweets make for a truly enjoyable evening. Until the next morning, when my hangover is exacerbated by the deafening opinions of those who can’t lose gracefully.
And so, I offer these words of wisdom to those who leave the event full of Veuve and sadness. Theatrical talent is not quantifiable. A great performance is perceived by the audience member based on their own experiences, feelings, and judgement. No trophy is given to the actor who sunk the most tears, or passed the most laughs. Do we give athletes awards just for playing a particularly difficult game or sweating the most through the process? Of course not. But by the standards of those critical of the Oscars, we should, because it’s the right thing to do.
The fact that professionals are placing such value on an award that has no measurable value is not only lame, it’s disturbing. We all want to be recognized for our hard work, and one would think a paycheck with numerous zeros would be enough. A nomination from the Academy is truly the icing on the cake that no one eats — because carbs. But when the possibility of taking home the cake doesn’t come to fruition, sore losers and social crusaders alike, tear that cake apart and fling it all over the room.
Now, might the academy be biased, political, and uneducated in their choices? Of course. The suspicion is correct because such is the trend of it’s larger counterpart, Hollywood. It is a business. The goal is to make money and expand it’s empire. Typically if one does not agree with standards and practices of the business, it’s time to resign. But no one quits Hollywood. No one swears off award shows or movies. Instead, everyone just gathers around the Perrier filled water-cooler and complains about their boss, because it feels so much better than hurt feelings.
I for one, look forward to a future full of acceptance speeches that I never get to deliver. What can I say? I love rejection. I find it easier to carry than a trophy.
