Nostalgia’s Oscar Dance: Exploring the Complex Relationship of Next Year’s Academy Awards

In the realm of cinema, nostalgia often plays a significant role in the Oscars. The yearning for the past, a longing for the movies and filmmakers who transport us back to the films we cherished, is a shared sentiment among both Oscar voters and movie enthusiasts. Nostalgia can be a potent tool, as evidenced by past Best Picture winners that owe their success to this timeless appeal.

The Power of Nostalgia in Oscar History

Consider, for instance, the 2012 Best Picture winner, "The Artist." This silent film, a remarkable homage to the bygone era of cinema, undoubtedly tugged at the heartstrings of Oscar voters. It’s a perfect example of how nostalgia can sway the Academy’s decisions. In contrast, even unconventional films like Guillermo del Toro’s "The Shape of Water" benefited from their stylistic nods to Old Hollywood.

Yet, nostalgia doesn’t always guarantee an Oscar triumph. Legendary director Steven Spielberg’s recent entries, including "The Post," "West Side Story," and "The Fabelmans," despite their profound throwback appeal, couldn’t secure him another Best Picture win. It’s clear that nostalgia’s role in an Oscar campaign is complex.

The 2023–24 Oscar Season: Navigating the Nostalgia Labyrinth

The upcoming 2023–24 Oscar season presents a unique conundrum when it comes to nostalgia. It’s a delicate push-pull situation, as filmmakers grapple with the fine line between honoring the past and dismantling it.

Barbenheimer: A Nostalgic Revival

This season brought us two blockbuster triumphs, "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie," each navigating the nostalgia terrain differently. "Oppenheimer," Christopher Nolan’s biopic about the inventor of the atomic bomb, challenges traditional notions of American righteousness, diving deep into the moral complexities of scientific progress. On the other hand, Greta Gerwig’s "Barbie" explores societal issues, from patriarchy to unrealistic expectations placed on women, with no apparent reliance on the simplistic nostalgia of Barbie dolls.

But here’s the twist: the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon, the collective experience of these two films, was nostalgic in itself. A callback to a time when moviegoing was a shared cultural activity for all, it reflects the nostalgia for an era when cinema was a communal experience.

Exploring Nostalgia in Upcoming Films

If "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" lead the way this awards season, they’ll be joined by several other movies that examine nostalgia in their unique ways.

• Priscilla: A Hazy Walk Through Rock History: Sofia Coppola’s "Priscilla" takes us on a journey through the early days of an American rock icon, offering a memoir-like glimpse into history. A distinct, wistful look back.

• Air: A Journey Back to the Jordan Era: Ben Affleck’s "Air" revives the uncomplicated joy of Michael Jordan’s gravity-defying feats on the basketball court, tapping into the nostalgia of a time when sneakers embodied a piece of Jordan’s legacy.

• Judy Blume Revisited: "Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret" whisks us back to our teenage years, capturing the essence of Judy Blume’s coming-of-age novels and their honest portrayal of growing up.

• Maestro: Leonard Bernstein’s Complex Nostalgia: Bradley Cooper directs and stars in "Maestro," a biographical film about Leonard Bernstein, exploring the nostalgia of a revered figure’s complex personal life.

In each of these films, we witness a different facet of nostalgia, reminding us of the multifaceted relationship between the Oscars and our yearning for the past.

As we look forward to the 2023–24 Oscar season, it’s evident that nostalgia will continue to be a key player in the Academy’s decisions. Whether it’s a cinematic revival of a bygone era or a profound exploration of personal and historical nostalgia, the Oscars are poised for a complex dance with the past. "Next Year’s Oscars Already Have a Complex Relationship With Nostalgia" isn’t just a statement; it’s a testament to the enduring power of nostalgia in the world of film.

Diverse Inclusion in the Film Industry: Oscar’s New Rules

What are the new rules for the Oscars in 2024?

New Oscar Rules for 2024

In 2024, the Oscars are introducing a significant change. To qualify for the best picture category, films must be screened in at least 10 of the top 50 US markets. The Academy’s Board of Governors is reinforcing its commitment to theatrical moviegoing by mandating that best picture contenders extend their reach to a broader array of theaters nationwide.

Who won the Oscars for A24 2023?

Everything Everywhere

A24’s 2023 Oscar Winners

In the 2023 Oscars, A24’s "Everything Everywhere" clinched multiple accolades. The film secured victories in several key categories, including:

• Best Director: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.
• Best Lead Actress: Michelle Yeoh.
• Best Supporting Actress: Jamie Lee Curtis.
• Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan.
• Best Original Screenplay.
• Best Film Editing.

A24 celebrated a remarkable sweep at the Oscars with their standout film, "Everything Everywhere."

Did A24 sweep the Oscars?

A24’s Oscars Triumph

A24, the renowned indie studio celebrated for its hip and avant-garde films, achieved a resounding victory at the Oscars. They secured a remarkable nine wins, outshining even their well-funded rival, Netflix, which took home six trophies. A24’s Oscar success solidifies its reputation as a trailblazer in the world of independent cinema.

What are the new rules for Oscars?

New Oscar Inclusion Rules

The updated Oscar rules, falling under Standard B, stipulate that films must meet one of three criteria to promote inclusivity:

• At least two creative leaders or department heads (including casting directors, cinematographers, composers, and more) must be from an underrepresented group.
• At least six crew or technical positions must be filled by individuals from an underrepresented group.
• A minimum of 30% of the entire crew must be comprised of underrepresented group members.

These rules signify the Academy’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the film industry.

What are the Oscar rules for 2023?

Oscar Rules for 2023

For the 2023 Oscars, specific rules pertain to the length and picture quality of submissions. To qualify, a film must meet the following criteria:

• The submission must have a minimum duration of 40 minutes.
• The movie must have been publicly exhibited, adhering to the Academy’s quality standards. This includes presentation via "35mm or 70mm film, or in a 24- or 48-frame progressive scan Digital Cinema format."

These regulations ensure that films considered for the Oscars meet specific length and quality standards.

What are the 2023 Oscars being held?

2023 Oscars Venue and Date

The 2023 Oscars ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 12th, and will be hosted at the renowned Dolby Theatre located in Los Angeles.