Do We Still Need Award Shows? Slow Burn Sally vs. Pop Culture Polly
POP CULTURE POLLY:
“Sally, the Oscars are just around the corner! It’s that time of year when we celebrate the best in film, honor the artists’ hard work, and enjoy the glamour of the red carpet. Isn’t it exciting?”
SLOW BURN SALLY:
“Exciting? Award Shows? More like a little over-the-top, don’t you think? And let’s be honest, isn’t this mostly an excuse to wear an outfit no one’s ever going to wear twice? I think I’ll just stream Lonesome Dove.”
POLLY:
“But Sally, these events are traditions! They bring everyone together to acknowledge outstanding achievements. Plus, viewership is bouncing back. The 2024 Oscars drew 19.5 million viewers, up 4% from the previous year!” (Source)
SALLY:
“Sure, a slight bump. But are these award shows really celebrating the best, or just playing an industry game? How many times have we seen incredible performances snubbed? Some actors don’t win until they’ve been around so long that Hollywood just decides it’s ‘their time.’”
POLLY:
“I won’t deny there’s room for improvement. But these platforms can drive change. They highlight talent, start conversations, and bring attention to films that might otherwise fly under the radar!”
SALLY:
“Or they just serve as damage control. Remember when a controversial movie racks up nominations and suddenly Hollywood acts like it’s a ‘must-see’ just to avoid backlash? Sometimes it feels like the awards are more about PR than talent.”
POLLY:
“Okay, but even if there’s some politics involved, award shows still give us moments. Think about the historic wins, the unforgettable speeches, and the unexpected on-stage surprises!”
SALLY:
“I’ll give you that. Once in a while, something genuinely surprising happens. But most of the time, it’s just another long award show with forced banter and a parade of fancy outfits. If I’m tuning in, I’d rather watch the work these artists put their heart and soul into, not just the part where they pat each other on the back.”
POLLY:
“But for a lot of people, the Oscars are a gateway! People see a film win an award and suddenly want to check it out. It introduces new audiences to great art.”
SALLY:
“Or it just reinforces what’s already popular while ignoring some of the best indie films out there. Plus, with streaming, people can discover amazing films on their own without needing an award show’s stamp of approval.”
POLLY:
“Maybe, but the shared experience of watching live, reacting in real time—that’s something streaming doesn’t replace.”
SALLY:
“For some, sure. But for a lot of people, these shows just don’t hold the same magic anymore. Maybe it’s time to rethink how we honor talent instead of just rolling out the same old song and dance.”
POLLY:
“Maybe they need a fresh approach, but the heart of it—celebrating creativity, storytelling, and artistry—should always stay.”
SALLY:
“We’ll see. In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying the films themselves, without the glittery distractions.”
POLLY:
“And I’ll be tuning in, popcorn ready, embracing the spectacle!”
SALLY (raising an eyebrow):
“You really think award shows still set a positive tone? With all the snubs, controversies, and ‘Oops, we forgot to nominate a female director’ moments?”
POLLY:
“I get it, Sally, they’re not perfect. But they still shine a spotlight on important stories and artists. When a lesser-known film wins big, it can completely change its success. Whether you love or hate award shows, they can still make a real impact.”
SALLY (sighs):
“Alright, Polly. You make a pretty good argument. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll give watching one more try. But if it’s three hours of forced jokes and awkward speeches, I’m holding you personally responsible.”
POLLY (grinning):
“Deal! Just don’t blame me if you secretly enjoy it.”
Mike worked in the radio industry for 35 years which means sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek, satirical, trash talking characters to remind you laughter is good for the soul! Let’s have some fun with entertainment, movies and TV, sports, budget food and games, lifestyle and we’ll get ridiculous.
