The Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, have long stood as the pinnacle of cinematic recognition. Since their inception in 1929, the Oscars have evolved from a small industry banquet to a global spectacle watched by millions. Celebrating artistic and technical excellence in film, the annual ceremony has not only influenced careers and box office results but also sparked cultural conversations, controversies, and shifts within the entertainment industry.
As the 2025 Oscars approach, it’s worth revisiting why the Academy Awards remain one of the most influential and talked-about events in the entertainment calendar.
A Legacy of Prestige and Controversy
The Oscars are presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), an organization with over 10,000 members from various branches of the film industry. What began as a modest gathering of around 270 guests at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has grown into an international event that defines success in cinema.
However, this prestigious legacy hasn’t been without criticism. For decades, the Academy has faced backlash over its lack of diversity and perceived elitism. The #OscarsSoWhite movement in 2015 ignited calls for more inclusive nominations, particularly in the acting categories. Since then, the Academy has made notable changes to its membership and voting procedures, including adding more women and people of color to its voting body. In 2020, it also introduced diversity standards for Best Picture eligibility, which are fully in effect for the 2025 awards.
Despite these efforts, debates continue—particularly around genre bias (comedy and horror are often overlooked), international representation, and the relevance of traditional awards shows in the age of streaming.
Oscar Wins That Changed the Industry
Over the years, the Oscars have crowned films that not only entertained but also changed the trajectory of cinema. From Gone with the Wind (1939) to Parasite (2019)—the first non-English language film to win Best Picture—Oscar victories often serve as cultural milestones.
In 2024, Oppenheimer won Best Picture and Best Director for Christopher Nolan, reaffirming Hollywood’s continued appetite for auteur-driven storytelling and historical drama. Meanwhile, Lily Gladstone’s Best Actress win marked a milestone for Native American representation in film.
Films like Moonlight (2016), which won after a now-infamous envelope mix-up, and Everything Everywhere All At Once (2023), which swept multiple major categories, demonstrate how the Academy is slowly embracing more unconventional narratives and filmmaking styles.
Oscar wins can also lead to massive box office boosts. Known as the “Oscar bump,” nominated films often see increased theatrical runs and streaming engagement following the ceremony, highlighting the awards’ commercial power in addition to their prestige.
The Oscars in a Changing Media Landscape
With declining ratings and growing audience fatigue for long-format awards shows, the Academy has struggled in recent years to maintain relevance—particularly among younger viewers. In response, producers have experimented with new formats, shorter runtimes, more inclusive presenters, and better integration with social media.
The role of streaming platforms has also transformed the Oscars. Once a bastion of theatrical releases, the awards now recognize original films from Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon, and others. CODA (2022), produced by Apple, became the first streaming film to win Best Picture, a sign that the boundaries between film and digital entertainment are continuing to blur.
Yet, even in this rapidly evolving ecosystem, the Oscars remain a powerful institution. For filmmakers, an Oscar win is a career-defining moment. For studios, it’s a marketing tool. And for audiences, it’s still one of the few nights each year when film is celebrated on a grand stage with history, glamour, and global attention.
Looking Ahead: Oscars 2025 and Beyond
As the Academy prepares for its 97th ceremony in early 2025, the big question remains: how will the Oscars continue to evolve?
Key trends to watch include the increasing recognition of global cinema, the impact of AI in filmmaking, and the future role of theatrical releases. With new rules in place and a more diverse voting base, the Oscars are poised to better reflect the richness and complexity of today’s film landscape.
Whether the ceremony regains its former cultural dominance or continues to transform into something entirely new, one thing is certain—the Academy Awards still matter. Not just as an award show, but as a mirror reflecting the state, struggles, and triumphs of modern cinema.
