The Unsung Heroes of Awards Season

Spherex • Jan 13, 2023

It is essential to look past the obvious to find what matters 

Awards season is upon us, and no form of media is immune from the onslaught of hype intended to promote the nominees. From billboards and cab banners to newspapers and magazines to TV and radio to websites and social media ads, no stone is left unturned n an effort to sway consumers that a nominated film is worth watching. It leaves one wondering whether the effort is worth the expense. It clearly is for those who win, but one oft-overlooked aspect of awards season is how it highlights the breadth, complexity, and variety of creative people working behind the camera in an industry the world relies upon for entertainment every year.


These are the unsung heroes of modern content production.


Nominees

Consider who is eligible besides the finished title:


·      Directors

·      Writers

·      Actors

·      Cinematographers

·      Musical score composers

·      Sound editors

·      Sound designers

·      Visual effects

·      Set designers

·      Hair and makeup artists

·      Writers of original or adapted screenplays

·      Production designer

·      Television shows

·      Television series

·      Feature films

·      Short films

·      International film

·      Live-action

·      Live-action short

·      Documentaries

·      Animation

·      Lead roles

·      Supporting roles and more


Unfortunately, those who localize titles to reach other cultures and audiences are missing from this list. 


Awards Ceremonies are Everywhere

Now consider the number of award ceremonies. A partial list of those in Hollywood includes the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Emmys, the Directors Guild (DGA), the Producers Guild (PGA), the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the Writers Guild, and the Critics’ Choice Awards.

Internationally, the AACTA, AMAA, BAFTA, CSA, IDFA, IIFA, Cannes, Nolly, SAA, and dozens of other film festivals present awards to celebrate achievements in film and TV worldwide. Multiply those organizations by the list of categories, and hundreds of awards will be handed out over the next few weeks.


Is It Worth It?

It is, especially for platforms developing original content. For example, The Apple-produced film “Coda” won 2022’s Oscar for Best Picture, Best Performance by an Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay. “Coda” went on to win 57 awards out of 139 nominations. As a direct result, Apple TV+ subscriptions increased by 25%.


After winning the Oscar for Best Picture in 2021, "Nomadland’s" VOD sales increased. The first foreign film to win Best Picture, "Parasite," saw a significant box office and increased streaming viewing. Its director, Bong Joon Ho, famously called upon moviegoers to "overcome the 1-inch tall barrier of subtitles" to enjoy foreign films. Since then, audience interest in foreign titles has increased significantly.


Trade publishers like Variety, the Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, ScreenDaily, and Entertainment Weekly, along with newspapers like the New York Times, Times of India, and the Los Angeles Times, have dedicated, year-round awards sections in their publications.


One group unmoved by awards season is the regulators. "Nomadland" was directed by Chinese native Chloe Zhao, yet Chinese regulators banned the film because she criticized the Chinese government. This year’s Oscar entry for Pakistan, "Joyland," won 12 awards out of 16 nominations, including the Queer Palm at Cannes, despite being banned by the Pakistan Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.


It's easy to view awards season as a cynical ploy to increase revenue. Still, it's important to acknowledge and celebrate the people behind the scenes who make stories come to life. Awards shows identify these creative professionals, and the opportunity allows all of us to recognize and appreciate their achievements.

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