Select a true-life account, ideally situated in a period of conflict or turmoil, to introduce a narrative rich in challenges that can be conquered to the accompaniment of grand orchestral melodies. Enlist an actor whose appearance surpasses that of the actual individual, allowing ample time for elaborate makeup sessions during filming, providing fodder for talk show anecdotes. Incorporate impactful monologues suitable for standalone presentation at award ceremonies. Include a role that screams “Best Supporting Actress,” and there you have it.
Observing the film release calendar reveals an annual winter influx of such films: profound, weighty narratives purportedly resonating with the contemporary zeitgeist, even if set centuries ago and adorned with crinolines. These are the films striving for Academy Award recognition. The term “Oscar bait” encapsulates this surge of meticulously crafted, often earnest productions, demonstrating that prestige filmmaking can adhere to formulas akin to genre blockbusters. At its most disheartening, Oscar bait manifests as Rami Malek sporting prosthetic teeth and miming Queen’s classics in Bohemian Rhapsody, or the enigma that was Crash.
This year’s most overt Oscar-seeking contender appears to be Maestro, Bradley Cooper’s latest directorial venture. Despite mastering singing and guitar for his 2018 rendition of _A Star is Born_—alongside altering his vocal range and adhering to a rigorous tanning regimen—Cooper’s efforts only yielded one Oscar win out of eight nominations for the film. Hence, in Maestro, he embodies the iconic composer Leonard Bernstein, complete with a questionable prosthetic nose, after dedicating six years to honing his orchestral conducting skills (seemingly a favorite among Oscar voters, as evidenced by Margot Robbie’s ice-skating prowess in I, Tonya).
Cooper’s endeavors have once again garnered a slew of nominations (this time, seven). However, the odds favor Oppenheimer overshadowing Maestro on Oscar night. While Christopher Nolan’s film follows the familiar template of detailing the life of a notable American figure, requiring physical transformation from its lead, and occasionally filmed in black and white, it somehow evades the overtly “baity” label. This anomaly could stem from residual goodwill following last summer’s “Barbenheimer” craze, a stronger connection with audiences, or simply a less desperate pursuit of success. This paradox underscores the intricacies of Oscar bait—excessive eagerness can backfire, as Cooper inadvertently discovered. As Vulture noted, “Show you want it, but don’t be desperate.”
Adhering strictly to the conventional Oscar bait formula does not guarantee triumph. The management of an awards campaign holds equal weight, alongside the film’s actual quality (believe it or not, there was a time when Cats was deemed a potential Oscar contender). Premature accolades during autumn festivals can swiftly dissipate by mid-January, leading to dashed hopes and awkward interviews recounting elaborate Method preparations that failed to impress come nomination day.
The unexpected victory of ‘The Deer Hunter’ is often cited as a blueprint for Oscar success
The term “Oscar bait” first emerged in 1948, featured in a scathing review of Fort Apache, a Western by director John Ford, who was already a three-time Best Director awardee at the time. This raises the question of whether Ford tailored his style to appease Academy voters or if his films naturally aligned with their preferences. Glancing at winners’ lists over subsequent decades reveals a pattern for Oscar triumph. Lengthy historical epics dominate the Best Picture category, with characters from literary adaptations and real-life tales prevailing in acting categories. The divergence between box office hits and prestigious industry recognition catalyzed the rise of Oscar bait.
The formula for Oscar bait solidified with films championed by Harvey Weinstein in the ‘90s, shaping the perception of “awards-worthy” productions. Weinstein’s aggressive campaigning tactics, epitomized by Shakespeare in Love’s controversial victory in 1999, emphasized the importance of narratives surrounding films as crucial as the stories themselves. The promotion of biopics portraying underappreciated historical figures as a means of honoring their legacy exemplifies this strategy.
The concept of Oscar bait remains contentious, with critics like Mark Harris denouncing it as a reduction of artistic endeavors to mere awards pursuit. The evolving landscape of the Academy Awards, particularly post-#OscarsSoWhite, reflects efforts to diversify and expand its membership, challenging traditional voting patterns and predictions. The success of unconventional films like Everything Everywhere All at Once hints at a potential shift in the awards landscape, fostering inclusivity for tear-jerking true stories and genre-defying cinematic experiences alike.