Election years should make the Oscars look ridiculous. Because, of course, they are — an overblown school prize day, dreamt up by early Hollywood to treat movies like art and a horse race. And yet, every 12 months we are again invited to take them seriously. Occasionally, the idea is tempting. In the glow of triumph for a Schindler’s List or a Moonlight, the awards come close to actual significance. Other years, Will Smith slaps Chris Rock, and you remember what nonsense it all is.
But this weekend’s Oscars already feel different. They take place in a year when more than half of the world’s population is due to vote in national elections. Statistically at least, 2024 will be the biggest democratic exercise in history.
As if in response, gravitas surrounds this year’s awards. Much of it comes from Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan’s portrait of the nuclear physicist. A sturdy and accomplished film, it has long been runaway favourite in most high-profile categories: Best Picture, Best Director for Nolan and acting prizes expected for stars Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr.