#OscarsSoMale

The 2023 Oscars Catered to Male Nominees, Leaving Women Shut Out Once Again

By Kayla Jovel, Staff Writer

The 95th Academy Awards’ nominations prompted anger as accusations of sexism flooded social media due to women being left out of the Best Director category, with only male counterparts being nominated.

The allegations of sexism and racism have been annually reoccurring topics at the Oscars. This year was no different.

When this year’s nominees were announced for various categories, nominees for Best Director specifically omitted women.

Many strong female candidates felt snubbed as films directed by women were nominated for Best Picture but not for Best Director, once again showing this is another issue plaguing the film industry.

“There are so many actors, directors and females that have been working in this industry that deserve the same level of recognition,” said Jahzeel Ramos, Lynn’s broadcast coordinator and digital technology specialist. “You have to see who’s in the Academy right now, who’s behind the doors; you don’t know who’s…controlling the puppet.”

The long history of omitting both women and people of color in significant categories is nothing new to the Oscars nor its nominees. Since 1929, only seven women have been nominated for Best Director.

In this year’s nominations, very few were nominees for film-related categories, specifically shutting out women in Best International Film and Best Original Screenplay. Many women take this snub as more than an award they were overlooked for, but as an opportunity that was taken from them.

“The Oscars is something that everyone watches, not just filmmakers,” said Ramos. “When you win an Oscar, it pulls your name out there, even if you’re a nominee and your name was up there, it’s like boom, you are making it in this world.”

The Academy Awards continue to be criticized for its intentions and lack of inclusivity. Many in the industry accuse the event of not only lacking recognition of women, but women of color as well. Take, for exampel, a film like “Till,” which was created by and about black people. It was not nominated for any categories at the Oscars after making $10 million at the box office, leaving the public to once again question the transparency of the Academy.

“I feel that with the Oscars, both men and women should both have an equal chance to be nominated,” said Olivia Simpson, a senior. “Not have this be about race or gender but about the creativity of these individuals.”

These allegations have placed the Oscars in a negative light again. The public might never see the Academy take responsibility and change, but it will continue to hold the Academy accountable and honor those in the industry who they believe to be worthy nominees. The Oscars will announce its winners Sunday, March 12, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Gina Prince-Bythewood (left), Sarah Polly (middle) and Domee Shi (right) were not nominated for Best Director in 2023. Photo/HuffPost
 
2023 Oscar nominees for Best Picture, most consisting of male directors. Photo/DailySabah
Academy Awards statute awarded to Oscar winners, who will be announced Sunday, March 12, 2023. Photo/Awards Daily
Lynn University studio used for film and broadcasting needs, located on the third floor of the Lynn Library in Boca Raton, Florida. Photo/K. Jovel
 

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