2023 Oscar Award Highlights

by Mack Morgan

The Southern Lehigh High School is home to many different arts programs. Students have the opportunity to join programs such as the school play and take classes like Mass Media taught by Mr. Jeffery Hershey.

The Academy Awards reach many audiences, and are inspiring for upcoming generations. The students at SLHS are no exception to this. When students see movies they enjoy, these movies’ success become outlets of inspiration. .

“...Love makes us see ordinary things in an extraordinary light. The Oscars [help] us see that; it takes the movies we love and gives them the recognition they deserve” said senior, Savannah Giannattasio. Another large theme of the recent Oscars ceremonies is effective representation of the actors and actresses. Someone, who may be struggling with their self worth, can view the nominees and find themselves.

Earlier this year, Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar nomination was under scrutiny due to a grassroots campaign. A grassroot campaign is a fight for something right that begins at a small local level. This will then evolve , hence the grassroot name, to a regional, national, or sometimes international level.

This controversy online was sparked due to the lack of African American representation in the nominees. Some people online believed Andrea Riseborough’s nomination to be reevaluated ; but, the Academy decided to sustain her nomination. The Academy believed she deserved it and should keep it despite the controversy around her Oscars campaign.

The Oscars nominations and awards are not without its faults; Many people can be seen taking an active effort to enact change. Although the organization is not perfect, some people believe this shouldn’t take away from the positives.

“The controversy around the Best Actress nominations is a super fascinating and an important indictment on the politicking in that category. To me, the most exciting nomination is Ke Huy Quan, it is so well deserved and it puts a spotlight on how representation can greatly impact an actors ability to envision themselves within a film space.” said english teacher Mrs. Lauren Tocci.

Mrs. Tocci, as many know, can be seen counting down the days to the Oscars. Found in her room, is said countdown on the whiteboard. She’s positively noted on Avatar: The Way of Water, as much more emotional than the first film; moreover, found the focus on the younger generations in the movie engaging.

Nevertheless, while gushing about the favorite nominated films can be fun, there is a deeper impact behind the ceremony. .

“What occurs [from The Oscars] is a rabbit hole, a beautiful string that suggests that exposing someone to one great film sends them on a journey that has ripple effects. That is the importance of the Oscars, not just celebrating films that win, but the endless possible journeys we embark on when someone shows us a great film.” said Mrs. Tocci.