Consider This from NPR: “When Oscar Got It Wrong”

Release Date: January 23, 2025

In the “When Oscar Got It Wrong” episode of NPR’s Consider This, host Scott Detrow delves into the perennial debate surrounding the Academy Awards' nominations and selections. Featuring insights from NPR film critic Bob Mondello and producer Mark Rivers, the episode examines historical Oscar misses, the impact of these oversights on the film industry, and the broader cultural implications.

Introduction: The Oscar Snub Phenomenon

Scott Detrow opens the discussion by highlighting the recurring frustration among audiences regarding Oscar nominations. While acknowledging commendable nominations like Colman Domingo and Demi Moore, Detrow emphasizes that debates over snubs have become an intrinsic part of the Oscars experience.

• Detrow (00:14): “But complaining about who got snubbed is an essential part of the Oscars experience.”

He references last year’s controversies, such as Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie being overlooked despite their significant contributions to films like Barbie.

Historical Oscar Misses

The conversation shifts to some of the most notable Oscar blunders in history, underscoring how even critically acclaimed films can be overlooked.

Classic Films That Didn’t Win Best Picture

Detrow mentions timeless classics that never secured the Best Picture award, despite their lasting legacy.

• Detrow (02:18): “Working backward from Gene Kelly, that’s Singing in the Rain. Dr. Strangelove, Sunset Boulevard, Apocalypse Now, and Citizen Kane, all on many lists of the best films ever. But not one of them took home the Oscar for Best Picture.”

Bob Mondello (03:09) adds perspective on iconic misses, prompting Mark Rivers to recall significant examples:

• Rivers (03:16): Reflects on the 1968 Oscars where Oliver! won Best Picture, overshadowing contemporaneous masterpieces like 2001: A Space Odyssey.

• Rivers (05:46): Discusses Singin’ in the Rain not being nominated, attributing it to the Academy's reluctance to honor another Gene Kelly musical following An American in Paris. Similarly, Apocalypse Now lost to Kramer vs. Kramer, a decision Mondello criticizes as undermining a film of profound depth.

Brokeback Mountain vs. Crash

Mondello highlights the controversial 2006 Oscars where Brokeback Mountain lost to Crash, a decision that sparked significant debate.

• Mondello (04:22): “I still think about Brokeback Mountain losing to Crash, which was like this cartoonish algorithm of a dumb movie plot that was heavy-handed.”

Rivers criticizes the Academy’s inconsistent logic:

• Rivers (04:51): “There's a dumb reason that makes no sense. But that makes sense to the Academy somehow.”

Cultural and Representation Issues

The hosts delve into how representation and societal trends influence Oscar nominations and selections.

Representation and Diversity

Detrow points out the lack of diversity in historical nominations, notably the 2015 Oscars where all nominated actors were white.

• Detrow (00:46): “Sometimes these critiques are a matter of movie taste and sometimes they are broader matters of representation raising questions about who the movie industry chooses to celebrate or ignore.”

This ties into broader discussions about which stories the Academy chooses to honor, often reflecting or neglecting societal shifts.

The Dark Knight’s Snub

A prominent discussion focuses on Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight and its absence from nominations, despite its cultural and cinematic impact.

• Mondello (06:36): “The Dark Knight is one of my favorite movies of all time... but I feel like it came.”

• Rivers (07:25): “The Dark Knight being snubbed is an example of just what voters are comfortable with.”

They argue that the Academy often favors traditional genres and narratives over groundbreaking films that redefine cinema.

Oscar Mix-Ups: Moonlight vs. La La Land

The infamous 2017 Oscar mix-up serves as a pivotal example of the Oscars’ unpredictability and occasional alignment with cultural moments.

• Rivers (10:02): Recalls the Moonlight and La La Land envelope confusion, ultimately celebrating Moonlight as a deserving Best Picture winner.

• Moonlight’s Significance (10:20): Detrow and Rivers discuss Moonlight not only as the best film of its year but also as a landmark in representing marginalized voices within the industry.

• Rivers (10:48): “Moonlight represented an expansion of the kind of black stories we could tell... It sends a message to other directors and filmmakers.”

This moment is portrayed as a rare instance where the Oscars echoed a significant cultural and artistic shift, validating diverse narratives.

When Oscars Get It Right

Despite many criticisms, Mondello and Rivers acknowledge that there are moments when the Academy accurately reflects the cinematic zeitgeist.

• Mondello (09:47): “Are there years that jump out to you in that the Oscars got it right?...”

While Rivers is initially skeptical, he concedes that moments like the Moonlight win demonstrate the Oscars’ potential to recognize and elevate meaningful cinema.

Conclusion: The Oscars’ Influence on Cinema

The episode concludes with reflections on the Oscars' role in shaping the film industry. While the Academy often misses the mark, significant wins like Moonlight highlight its capacity to influence and acknowledge groundbreaking work.

• Rivers (11:31): “It’s really. It’s great. It shakes things up for sure.”

• Mondello (11:36): “Sin Pierre’s Bob Mondello and Mark Rivers. Thanks to both of you.”

Scott Detrow wraps up by underscoring the importance of these discussions in understanding the evolving landscape of cinema and cultural representation.

Notable Quotes

• Scott Detrow (00:42): “Honestly, we just got tired of googling.”

• Mark Rivers (05:46): “Was this some kind of joke? It’s a nice movie. Perfectly nice movie. It’s arguably a terrific movie.”

• Bob Mondello (04:22): “I still think about Brokeback Mountain losing to Crash...”

• Mark Rivers (07:25): “The Dark Knight being snubbed is an example of just what voters are comfortable with.”

• Unnamed Speaker (10:02): “There's a mistake. Moonlight, you guys won Best Picture.”

Final Thoughts

“When Oscar Got It Wrong” offers a comprehensive exploration of the Academy Awards’ complexities, highlighting both its failures and triumphs. Through engaging dialogue and insightful analysis, Detrow, Mondello, and Rivers invite listeners to reflect on the Oscars' impact on film artistry, cultural representation, and the ever-evolving narrative of Hollywood.