Every year, following the announcement of Oscar nominees, the term “Oscar snub” resurfaces. Social media bursts with discussion; numerous articles, comments and videos emerge regarding instances when an actor, director, film or other nominee is overlooked or excluded from Academy Award (Oscar) nominations despite widespread belief that they deserve recognition. Regular discussion of “snubs” highlights the academy’s failure to reflect the tastes and interests of the general public. Each year we witness lists of actors the public feels should have received nominations but were ultimately disregarded.
The disagreement between the academy and fans has persisted for years, often culminating in online discourse like the iconic “Leo deserves an Oscar” memes. The humor surrounding Leonardo DiCaprio and the Oscars became a running joke in the absurdity of his prolonged losing streak despite his consistent excellence as an actor. With five nominations and no wins, many negatively reacted to the academy’s seriousness in nominating DiCaprio while continually denying him the award.
It is for this very reason that the Oscars should be fan-voted. Currently, the awards reflect the preferences of a select group within the academy whose opinions the general public may not fully understand. When thousands of people rally behind a particular film for best picture but the academy’s choice differs, those voices go unheard, leaving a beloved film without the recognition it deserves. A fan-voted system would be more relevant and engaging, as it would celebrate the movies and actors that captivated audiences that year.
Rather than exclusively celebrating drama and tear-jerker films labeled as “artistic,” every genre deserves a fair opportunity to succeed.
Audiences are the ones who purchase tickets to experience films at the cinema and invest in streaming services to enjoy endless hours of television and movies. Box office sales, revenues and significant achievements result from audience engagement. Those emotionally invested in the films and performances should have the opportunity to decide who deserves to win.
The academy tends to reward films in the drama genre, often overlooking the achievements of blockbusters and beloved franchises. This bias favors films about social issues and historical figures, undermining the accomplishments of movies in other genres that exemplify talented filmmaking, solid screenplays and talented casts. Rather than exclusively celebrating drama and tear-jerker films labeled as “artistic,” every genre deserves a fair opportunity to succeed.
In addition, there should be a category to honor sci-fi and action films, especially considering how “Avengers: Endgame” became the second highest-grossing film in film history. Fans eagerly purchased tickets weeks — even months — in advance to witness the conclusion of the Avengers saga on the big screen. Marvel continued this streak with “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which grossed almost $2 billion.
When a film has a significant box office return, it’s because the people care about it. This trend means that the film, franchise and characters matter to audiences, and many series have loyal fans who come back to the movies for each film. For a director to make a film that people love and are excited to see is a marked accomplishment that should be honored.
Fans are increasingly interested in nominating more horror films for recognition. While a few titles such as “The Silence of the Lambs” and “The Exorcist” have received nominations, many films within the genre remain overlooked. Movies like “The Shining,” “Hereditary” and “Psycho,” as well as performances like Mia Goth’s in “Pearl,” are often left out despite their significant cultural impact and critical acclaim.” The horror genre boasts a committed fanbase; audiences enjoy the thrill of being spooked and appreciate the artistry of horror cinema. However, the academy has historically failed to recognize these contributions.
It was not until 2024 that the Golden Globes chose to acknowledge significant box office achievements. They introduced a new category called the Golden Globe Award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, aimed at honoring the films most popular with audiences. The first award recipient was “Barbie.” The new addition was a positive step toward acknowledging and rewarding the films that captivated audiences each year.
However, notable instances of perceived injustice still need to be addressed. In 2023, “Barbie” generated significant buzz and became the highest-grossing film of the year, with fans worldwide flocking to theaters adorned in pink and sparkles. Yet when it came to nominations, Margot Robbie, who starred as Barbie and director Greta Gerwig were overlooked — while Ryan Gosling received a nomination for his role as Ken. Many critics and fans voiced their discontent with this decision, viewing it as reflective of the narrative in “Barbie,” where men often eclipse women in recognition.
This ironic oversight is particularly striking, especially within a category explicitly designed to celebrate audience favorites. It underscores the disconnect between the academy and the very audience it seeks to represent, demonstrating that even when tasked with reflecting popular opinion, their biases continue to wield a significant influence, ultimately distorting the process.
At the heart of Hollywood exists a world shaped by personal interpretation.
Although the Golden Globes have begun recognizing blockbuster films, the academy remains hesitant to honor popular movies. This reluctance is highlighted by an initiative in 2018 when the academy announced a new category called Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film. This proposed award aimed to celebrate films that resonate with audiences. Still, the academy decided not to introduce it at the 91st Academy Awards.
The Oscar categories should also encompass a more diverse range of genres. For instance, at this year’s Golden Globes, Demi Moore and Cynthia Erivo were nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. Erivo was nominated for her role as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the film adaptation of “Wicked,” a profound musical based on a beloved Broadway show. In contrast, Moore was nominated for her performance in “The Substance,” a film that addresses themes of womanhood and aging in Hollywood, challenging societal expectations for women over 40. This film is strikingly grotesque, bloody and disturbing, starkly contrasting to “Wicked.” While both performances were extraordinary and deserving of recognition, the limitations of the categories diminish the merit of the award and prevent talented actors from being adequately recognized for their contributions.
All this being said, the filmmaking and entertainment industry is a subjective realm. At the heart of Hollywood exists a world shaped by personal interpretation. In this space, films offer audiences a form of escapism. Over the course of roughly two hours, they tell stories that captivate viewers, educate and inform, evoke laughter or tears, and hold unique meanings for each individual. While there may be disagreements among fans, the majority opinion often wins in life — a principle that should also be evident during award season.
Awards represent much more than mere trophies on shelves; they symbolize moments of recognition and the visual embodiment of a successful conclusion to a great idea. In this world, endless possibilities and stories await exploration, and they deserve to be honored and respected not just by critics or award panels but by those who appreciate and interpret them, allowing these narratives to enrich their lives.
As a passionate movie lover, I have always been captivated by the world of filmmaking. Movies resonate deeply with me; I often find myself connecting with fictional characters more profoundly than with some people in real life. I have experienced joy and sadness through stories on screen, and I carry these narratives long after the credits roll. Nicole Kidman once said, “Somehow, heartbreak feels good in a place like this (the movies),” and many people would agree. As the audience, we deserve the opportunity to choose the Oscar winners as we continue to engage with and appreciate the stories that resonate with us.