Exploring Parasite: A Modern Oscar Masterpiece

Moving onto July’s theme, the Oscars, featuring Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite (2019). This Academy Award-winning masterpiece redefined modern cinema with its sharp social commentary and brilliant storytelling.

“Money is an iron. Those creases all get smoothed out by money. “

Dive into Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite (2019), the Oscar-winning masterpiece that explores class inequality, family dynamics, and survival with dark humour and thrilling twists. 

A Brief History of the Academy Awards (The Oscars)

The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are the most prestigious awards in the film industry. Since their inception in 1929, the Oscars have celebrated excellence in filmmaking, acting, and technical achievements. Here’s a look at their history and evolution:

• 1. The Birth of the Academy Awards (1927–1929)

  • Origins:
  • The Oscars were conceived by Louis B. Mayer, head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), as a way to honour the best in the film industry while fostering unity among filmmakers.
  • In 1927, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) was established in Los Angeles.
  • First Ceremony:
    • The first Academy Awards ceremony was held on May 16, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
    • The event was a private dinner with about 270 attendees, and winners were announced in advance.
  • Key Moments from the First Oscars:
  • Best Picture: Wings (a silent film about World War I).
  • Best Actor: Emil Jannings for The Last Command and The Way of All Flesh.
  • Best Actress: Janet Gaynor for her performances in 7th Heaven, Street Angel, and Sunrise.
• 2. The Transition to Public Recognition (1930s)

  • Live Broadcasts Begin:
    • By 1930, the Oscars were first broadcast on radio, significantly increasing their public appeal.
  • The Rise of “Talkies”:
  • The Academy shifted its focus to honour films with sound, as the silent era was ending.
  • The Statuette:
  • The iconic gold-plated statuette, depicting a knight holding a sword on a reel of film, was designed by Cedric Gibbons and sculpted by George Stanley.
  • The name “Oscar” is believed to have been coined by AMPAS librarian Margaret Herrick, who remarked that the statuette resembled her uncle Oscar.
• 3. Wartime Oscars and Changes (1940s)

  • Impact of World War II:
    • During World War II, the Oscars adapted to wartime austerity:
      • The 1943 ceremony introduced the Best Documentary category to highlight films about the war effort.
      • Due to metal shortages, Oscars were temporarily made of painted plaster.
  • Notable Milestones:
    • In 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first Black performer to win an Oscar (Best Supporting Actress for Gone with the Wind), breaking racial barriers.
• 4. The Television Era (1950s–1960s)

  • Oscars Go on TV:
    • The Oscars were first televised in 1953, bringing Hollywood glamour into millions of living rooms.
    • The ceremony became a cultural event, solidifying the Oscars’ role as a global symbol of cinematic excellence.
  • Landmark Wins:
    • 1964: Sidney Poitier became the first Black actor to win Best Actor (Lilies of the Field).
    • 1969: The first tie occurred in the Best Actress category, with Barbra Streisand (Funny Girl) and Katharine Hepburn (The Lion in Winter) sharing the award.
• 5. International Influence and Inclusivity (1970s–1990s)

  • Global Recognition:
  • The Oscars increasingly honoured international cinema, with films like Z (Algeria) and Fanny and Alexander (Sweden) winning Best Foreign Language Film.
  • Memorable Speeches:
  • In 1973, Marlon Brando refused his Oscar for The Godfather, sending Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather to decline the award on his behalf, protesting Hollywood’s treatment of Indigenous people.
  • Historic Wins:
  • 1992: Beauty and the Beast became the first animated film nominated for Best Picture.
  • 1999: Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win Best Actress (Monster’s Ball).
• 6. The Digital Age and Modern Oscars (2000–Present)

  • Milestones in Representation:
  • 2009: The Oscars expanded the Best Picture category to include up to 10 nominees, allowing greater recognition of diverse films.
  • 2020: Parasite made history as the first non-English language film to win Best Picture, marking a major step forward for international cinema.
  • Efforts Toward Diversity:
  • In response to criticism over a lack of representation (#OscarsSoWhite), the Academy introduced diversity initiatives and set inclusion standards for Best Picture nominees starting in 2024.
  • Technological Evolution:
  • In recent years, the Oscars have embraced streaming services, with films like Roma (Netflix) and CODA (Apple TV+) winning major awards.
• 7. Criticism and Challenges

  • Controversies:
  • The Oscars have faced criticism for overlooking minority filmmakers, prioritising commercial films over artistic achievements, and occasionally making politically charged decisions.
  • Declining Viewership:
  • In the 21st century, viewership of the ceremony has declined as audiences shift to digital platforms and question the relevance of traditional award shows.
• 8. The Legacy of the Oscars

  • Cultural Impact:
  • The Oscars remain a benchmark of success for filmmakers and a platform for cultural and social commentary.
  • Global Influence:
  • Today, the Academy Awards are a global event. They are watched by millions in over 200 countries. This highlights the power of storytelling across cultures.

The Oscars have evolved from a small industry gathering into a worldwide celebration of cinema. While they face challenges in staying relevant, their legacy as a symbol of cinematic achievement endures.

Sources

1. Oscars.org – History of the Academy
2. Britannica on the Academy Awards
3. History.com on Hattie McDaniel’s Historic Win
4. The New York Times on Early Oscar Ceremonies
5. Variety on Diversity in the Oscars

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