Why Woke Hollywood is Failing

Once said that these are both the best and worst of times for woke Hollywood. There are signs that the entire entertainment industry is collapsing, apart from the economic downturn and the billions lost on streaming. The two things that bother woke Hollywood the most are the death of the movie star and the decline of the Oscars, their top award show.

Remember the Oscars, or at least the Oscars of old? We used to look forward to them. Occasionally, they were entertaining, and we would root for our favorite films. We even had Oscar pools at work. It used to be like the gay Super Bowl, and it had ratings that rivaled the Super Bowl. But not anymore. Back in the day, it celebrated the art of film in Hollywood. Sure, it didn't always get everything right, but it had its moments. However, things have changed.

We can't forget the iconic Oscar moments, like when Marlon Brando gave up his Oscar for The Godfather or Sally Field's heartfelt speech. But we also can't forget the influence of Harvey Weinstein, who many now say ruined the Oscars in more ways than one. It's important to remember that the same Hollywood that now denounces him once knew about his actions and turned a blind eye until they couldn't anymore. Thank you, Harvey Weinstein.

The wake of the #MeToo and Time's Up movements brought significant changes to Hollywood. It exposed the balance of power and the exclusion of women in decision-making roles. These conversations led to policies changing rapidly and brought in new gatekeepers. However, the result is the woke Hollywood we have today, where inclusivity and more women are seen as the most important things.

Instead of having fun-filled Oscars with celebrities who knew how to enjoy themselves, we are now left with self-absorbed narcissists telling us how to live, all while flaunting their expensive jewelry and dresses. The average celebrity today, whom most people can't even recognize, is an influencer using their platform for change from the comfort of their luxurious lifestyles.

In 2022, Hollywood lost 40% of its ticket-buying audience. The paying customers spoke, and through a handful of successful films, they made it clear what they want. However, Hollywood also experienced a boatload of flops, revealing what they don't want. But Woke Hollywood seems determined to ignore this message because they have some new rules coming into effect this year, and they are completely insane.

The film Academy has introduced mandatory representation and inclusion standards that require filmmakers, distributors, and their storylines to meet elaborate racial, sexual, and disability guidelines. Compliance with these standards is a complex process, with various resources and databases available to help filmmakers meet the requirements. The new rules reflect the corporate activist mindset that is increasingly pervasive in society.

The new rules imposed by the film Academy have raised concerns among many filmmakers and industry professionals. While the intention behind promoting diversity and inclusivity is commendable, the implementation of strict guidelines and quotas can stifle artistic freedom and creativity.

Filmmakers should have the liberty to tell the stories they want to tell, without being forced to meet certain demographic criteria. Artistic expression should not be constrained by checkboxes and metrics. True diversity and inclusivity should come organically from a genuine desire to represent a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

Furthermore, the emphasis on meeting specific criteria can lead to tokenism, where diverse characters and storylines are included just to fulfill the requirements, rather than being integral to the narrative. This can undermine the authenticity and impact of the storytelling.

It's important to note that diversity in filmmaking goes beyond surface-level representation. It involves creating an inclusive industry that provides equal opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to participate and succeed. This includes promoting diversity not only in front of the camera but also behind the scenes, such as in directing, producing, and writing roles.

Instead of relying on rigid quotas and guidelines, the industry should focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment where diverse talents can thrive. This can be achieved by providing mentorship programs, funding initiatives, and actively seeking out and promoting underrepresented voices.

Additionally, the Oscars themselves have faced criticism for their lack of diversity in nominations and awards. While the recent changes aim to address this issue, it's essential to ensure that merit and artistic excellence remain at the forefront of the selection process. Recognition should be based on the quality of the work, rather than solely on meeting diversity quotas.

Ultimately, the decline of the Oscars and the challenges faced by Hollywood are multi-faceted. It's not solely due to the industry becoming more inclusive or progressive; there are various factors at play, including changing audience preferences, the rise of streaming platforms, and the impact of the pandemic.

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, it's important for Hollywood to adapt and find a balance between catering to audience demands and pushing creative boundaries. It's possible to create films that are both commercially successful and artistically significant, without compromising artistic integrity or succumbing to strict guidelines.

In conclusion, while the push for diversity and inclusivity in Hollywood is necessary and important, the approach of imposing rigid rules and guidelines may not be the most effective solution. Instead, fostering an environment that supports and promotes diverse voices, both in front of and behind the camera, can lead to genuine and meaningful representation in the industry. It's a delicate balance that requires thoughtful consideration and a commitment to artistic excellence.