Why La La Land Was Considered for the Best Picture Oscar Despite Music Challenges

La La Land has often been praised for its cinematic beauty, unique storyline, and captivating performance. Despite being criticized for some of its musical shortcomings, the film garnered significant attention and accolades, including a Best Picture Oscar nomination. This article explores why La La Land was held in such high regard, beyond its musical elements.

The Importance of Music in La La Land

La La Land is a coming-of-age Hollywood musical that tells the story of an aspiring actor and a jazz pianist who falls in love in Los Angeles. While the film is renowned for its outstanding musical numbers, critics and audiences alike have noted that some of these musical elements are not as strong as one might hope.

For example, a common critique is that the main protagonists, played by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, struggle to sing convincingly. Additionally, the film includes a significant amount of dialogue-heavy scenes, which come at the expense of music. Another issue mentioned is the lack of jazz music, given that the film ostensibly celebrates this genre.

Why It Was STILL Considered for the Best Picture Oscar

La La Land's nomination for the Best Picture Oscar was a testament to its merits beyond its musical aspects. Here are several reasons why the film was so well-received and considered worthy of an Oscar nomination:

The Opening Dance Sequence

The film's opening dance sequence in the traffic jam stands out as one of its strongest points. Many audiences and critics were impressed by the energy, choreography, and technical skill displayed in this opening scene. This set the tone for what was expected of the film.

Sweetness of the Love Story

One of the major aspects that resonated with many voters and audiences was the sweet love story between the two leads. The evolution of their relationship, filled with emotional highs and lows, provided a heartwarming narrative that captivated viewers.

High Standard of Acting

The acting in La La Land received widespread praise. Both Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling delivered compelling performances that earned critical acclaim and helped elevate the film's overall quality. The chemistry between the leads is one of the reasons why the film was well-regarded, especially in the acting categories.

Novel Construction

The film's structure and narrative techniques set it apart from typical Hollywood productions. The nonlinear storytelling, with flashbacks and dream sequences, added a layer of complexity and artistic merit that many found intriguing and impressive.

Hollywood Nostalgia

La La Land's nostalgic throwback to the golden age of Hollywood and musicals was a significant factor in its success. The film's visual homage to old Hollywood classics and its own musical numbers invoked a sense of nostalgia and longing for past times, which is a sentiment often appreciated by Academy voters and fans alike.

In conclusion, while La La Land may face criticism for certain aspects of its musical performance, the film's unique storyline, strong acting, and evocative love story were enough to earn it a Best Picture Oscar nomination. It remains a well-regarded film that continues to capture the hearts of audiences and critics.