The Academy Awards Discussion Thread

[Boner M]

Is that still a thing?

In Australia, yes. Ours was actually the (stastically proven!) lowest earning Blockbuster store in Sydney until we moved to a smaller space, sharing with a sports goods store through a door entrance, and a loud gym on the floor above knocking the rent down even further. It's ridiculously quiet much of the time. I love it.

[Derek]

In Australia, yes. Ours was actually the (stastically proven!) lowest earning Blockbuster store in Sydney until we moved to a smaller space, sharing with a sports goods store through a door entrance, and a loud gym on the floor above knocking the rent down even further. It's ridiculously quiet much of the time. I love it.

Do people still complain about letterboxing, etc. or have widescreen tv's finally wiped that particular scourge from the earth?

[Boner M]

Do people still complain about letterboxing, etc. or have widescreen tv's finally wiped that particular scourge from the earth?

Most of the customers likely don't know what letterboxing is. I assume the ones with that level of savvy have no use for a Blockbuster nowadays.

[Dukefrukem]

Sinister or cynical? Because I actually think I'm less cynical than I was in my 20s. I've been trying to be more sinister though. I bought a cauldron.

That's the joke. (a poor one I suppose). I feel like as MC ages, we become not just more critical, but take great pleasure in it.

[Sycophant]

I am really kind of confused about the way "red stater" is being thrown around in this thread.

[Derek]

I am really kind of confused about the way "red stater" is being thrown around in this thread.

Red Stater = people who live in the middle of the country and love The Blind Side. Of course, it's reductive and not completely lacking in meanspiritedness, so I assumed it would confuse you.

[Qrazy]

In Australia, yes.

Is that still a thing?

[Dead & Messed Up]

I seriously do not understand the decision to expand the Best Picture nominees. I am 90% convinced that it was a backend deal between the Academy and the studios with absolutely no other goal other than to be able to boost the dwindling market by giving more movies the opportunity to market itself as a Best Picture nominee.

I actually kinda dig it. Hearkens back to classic Hollywood times, gives a few more films exposure, showcases a larger variety of film styles and stories.

Even when we had five nominees, it's usually a two-horse race due to earlier award ceremonies, so why not make the whole thing a larger celebration of the medium? (On that note, I liked the testimonials with actors and directors talking about the films that they first saw.)

I have no doubt there were corporate considerations as well.