You Know What Makes for Great TV? Famous People.

That’s why the Academy’s decision to invite groups of previous winners to present in each of the acting categories was a stroke of genius. 

Photo: Greg Williams

If you routinely tune in to the Oscars, you’ll know that clips are just part of the deal. You’ve seen it time and time again: A couple presenters glide out from behind a large wall somewhere, do their bit (whether it works or not), and cut to a reel showcasing each of the category’s nominees.

For the most part, that’s exactly what happened during last night’s broadcast. However, when the production broke away from this format in a handful of crucial moments, it was at its best. 

In the four major acting categories, the usual trotting out of the previous year’s winner was tossed aside. In its place, the 2023 winners (Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser, Ke Huy Quan, and Jamie Lee Curtis) jointly presented the 2024 nominees alongside the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Lupita Nyong'o, Matthew McConaughey, and others who have hoisted the trophy before (Notably absent: Leo).

What we got from this change wasn't the customary bathroom or snack break that the clip moments often provide, but four mesmerizing occasions to remain seated and transfixed by some of the most charismatic and gifted actors working today. 

I think you’d struggle to find an individual who wasn’t moved when famed TV weeper, Sterling K. Brown looked up at Ke Huy Quan mouthing the words, “You’re going to make me cry.” Who could possibly deny the manner in which Sally Field vocalized "Emma?" Could you help but laugh when Sam Rockwell introduced Robert Downey Jr. with the too-true quip, “And then there are actors who don’t drop character until the DVD extras?” 

During several of these presentations, my eyes stung with tears, my belly let out quick chuckles, and I was reminded of that oft overused phrase, “This is why we go to the movies.” 

The only question that remained from these star-powered sequences was, why had no one thought of this sooner? Especially given the telecast’s recent trend of declining viewership and its history of going over time.

For better or worse, only the most avid movie nuts (I.e., people who have the Nicole Kidman AMC commercial memorized and host Oscar parties with ballots) still switch on the Academy Awards every year in this day and age. So, why not justify the runtime and appeal to both cinephiles and broader audiences by having popular, celebrated people in the industry talk about why they love the year's movies? I mean, isn’t that what we’re here for?

Is it more effective to show viewers 15 seconds of a scene OR is having someone like Christoph Waltz explore the nuanced greatness of Ryan Gosling’s “Ken” while he blushes the way to go? 

Next year, the Academy should expand this style of presenting. Let’s get Martin Scorsese up there chatting about what makes something a brilliant piece of direction. I’m sure I, and millions of other Letterboxd subscribers, wouldn't say no to a couple minutes from writers devoted to why the year’s screenplays are worthy of recognition. 

Any time we can get more famous people talking about their love of cinema in front of our screens, is a win. I hope the Academy learns from this.