Award Shows are Racist

by Amanda Jane Snyder

While I'm not one to determine my worth on an award that is the basis of an opinion of a bunch of random white people, awards, to some extent are a marker of success.

Our society bases success off of outcomes. We recognize talent in a young child athelte when they win the competition or make the elite baseball team. We recognize intelligence when the child receives the markings of an A consistently in school. Since youth, we are told that the outcome, the praise, the recognition is how we determine success. It is how we determine what's good from what's bad.

So to see some gaps in the choices of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association members is disappointing for many, including myself. If it's disappointing to me, a cis-gendered, able bodied, white woman for whom I have mostly seen representation in the media for the entirety of my life, imagine how it feels for people of color.

Yes, incredilbe BIPOC artists did win some awards last night at the Golden Globes, view the complete list here, but the awards for Best Motion Picture went to films largely comprising of the white centered narrative. And besides that point, the best film I've seen all year that centers an Asian-American family and their pursuit of the American dream, wasn't even nominated under Best Motion Picture. It was nominated under Foreign Film to which it won.

Yes, you read that correct. An American film by an American filmmaker, centering the American experience for so many American immigrants, was categorized under Foreign Film. The story of Minari resonates with so many as it is the story for many Americans. 20% of American households speak little to no english at home as is the case in this film. And yet, they are still Americans living in America, pursusing the American Dream.

To say award shows like the Golden Globes have a long way to go is an understatement. Especially in 2021 where racial tensions are so high, we expect them to do better. To categorize Minari as a foriegn film is racist and discriminatory to how we identify what it means to be American. I only hope that these messages can continue the conversation in a way that illicits change. For to be an American is so much greater than what these presitigious award shows represent America to be.

Yes, these award shows mean so much to so many, and rightfully so as our society has imposed the meaning of success to look like receiving an award. But in a flawed world, we must as artists strive to focus less on the outcome, especially when the outcome is disappointing.

Amanda Jane Snyder is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Mindset Coach living in Brooklyn, NY. She has been vegan for 4 years. She specializes in Strength and Conditioning for Actors, Singers and Dancers.