The Controversial Oscar Win: Do "Green Book" Deserve the Best Motion Picture Oscar?

When the Academy Award for Best Picture was awarded to "Green Book" at the 2019 ceremony, it sparked a flurry of debate among film enthusiasts and critics alike. While some praised the film for its portrayal of 1960s American racism and the unlikely friendship between a bouncer and a classical musician, others argued that it did not deserve the prestigious award. This article aims to explore the merits of the Oscar win, the context of its nomination, and the broader implications for the film industry.

Context and Critique of Nominees

The 2019 Academy Awards had a strong lineup of nominees for Best Picture, each with their own unique strengths and drawbacks. Here is an in-depth look at some of the other notable entries:

A Star is Born

The third remake of what was originally an iconic Oscar Best Picture nominee, this version of the story, while mainstream and commercially successful, failed to offer anything particularly innovative. Critics found it to be a rather generic retelling of a familiar tale, making it less suited for the prestigious accolade.

Black Panther

A blockbuster success with a diverse cast and groundbreaking achievements in representation, Black Panther was a monumental film for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, many felt it was unfairly omitted from contention due to its genre and the sheer number of other high-quality submissions.

BlacKkKlansman

While a stellar performance by its cast, this film by Spike Lee addressed critical issues of racism and racial tension in a raw, powerful manner. However, the Academy's tendency to favor more traditional, art-house style films left this genre-defying masterpiece out of the running.

Roma

A beautiful and unique foreign language film, it deserved recognition but likely because it was a foreign entry, it couldn’t compete in the Best Picture category, which goes to films produced in the United States. The Academy historically doesn't often award Best Picture to non-English language films, setting it apart from other nominations.

The Favourite

A historical period piece that didn't resonate with all viewers, it might have been overlooked in favor of films dealing with the African American experience. Many felt this choice was a missed opportunity to acknowledge films that pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and representation.

Reasons for the Green Book Win

Green Book, a historical film that explores the fraught relationship between a blackprocoured by a white driver during the Civil Rights Movement, struck a chord with the Academy. While it was a decent choice, many argue that it represented a compromise rather than an outstanding achievement. Here are some of the reasons why Green Book won over the other nominees:

It was a well-crafted film that addressed timely issues of racism and friendship. It provided a middle ground that wouldn’t alienate any of the key demographics within the Academy. Perhaps the most practical reason, it served as a neutral choice that defused any potential racial tensions following the widespread support for Black Panther to win.

Criticism and Controversy

The win for Green Book has been met with mixed reactions. Film enthusiasts and analysts argue that while it was a good film, it was not exceptional. Here are some of the main criticisms:

For ignoring the many films that addressed the African American experience, including critically acclaimed works like BlacKkKlansman and Roma. As an art film, many felt that the Academy should consider a diverse range of genres and styles, not stick to traditional winners. Potential archetypal patterns of Hollywood films and the Academy favoring a predictable road trip format over more complex narratives.

Conclusion

While the win for Green Book was not without its critics, it highlighted the complex and evolving nature of the Oscar Best Picture award. Moving forward, the Academy continues to face challenges in ensuring that the award reflects both excellence and inclusivity. For now, the debate continues, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ongoing conversations within the film industry and the Academy.