Artistic awards

[bronnyelsp]

In the class where we were preparing for our mock trial, our tutor informed us it was in a County Court, before a District Judge, and checked we would know how to address the judge. "Sir," replied Jessica instantly. "Yes..." hesitated the tutor, "you could call the District Judge 'Sir.' What else could you call a District Judge

Comments

[daisho]

Perhaps the concern is that Streep would have an advantage over Nicholson...? ;) Either way, it isn't really an equitable state of affairs, I agree.

I can only imagine the distinction perpetuates because many people still think women play different sorts of character to men in films and theatre. In and of itself, that's a demonstration of inequality, but also it's rather an outdated perspective. In popular media, Sigourney Weaver led the way in showing women could play tough, uncompromising roles that used to be the sole preserve of men, back in 1979.

[bronnyelsp]

many people still think women play different sorts of character to men in films and theatre.

Hm, I hadn't thought to tie it into that perspective, but it definitely connects.

There have been complaints of late that there are no intelligent comedic roles for women anymore -- ie that women have to be dramatic/tragic or else stupid and shallow. It's a complaint that I think bears some weight.

I also think just from a practical point of view it might be better to have separate acting categories for different genres of films. I know many people feel that in general it's much harder to win an Oscar with a comedic or light-hearted rather than dramatic or tragic performance.

(The Guardian really likes to beat their dead horses, I've noticed recently, but perhaps they do it in the hopes that someone else will notice and rescucitate the poor animal. Here's another article complaining about the dumbing-down of women in film, with Shopaholic front and centre.)

[aixa]

What's interesting is that the whole actor/actress thing has pretty much already been settled in the theatre world. Everyone is an actor, regardless of gender. The only time that is different is for awards shows, so that women can compete against women, men against men. The movie business is a bit behind the theatre world, and most of the trades (publications) still use actor/actress for everything. Of course, when you look at the difference in award names, for example, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Tony Award) versus Best Actor (Academy Award), it's not hard to believe that the theatre world is a bit ahead. I'm sure if there was another way to make it clear, the theatre awards would probably change the titles too.

[firenightingale]

I've always thought of myself as an actor instead of an actress and an author instead of an authoress. The feminised versions just seem so wishy-washy, like Chairperson and Personhole Cover.

I think the awards split by gender, not because men and women aren't able to be compared against each other - but to make the awards more interesting. After all, you don't in general have 'best newcomer' awards in sport either unless you are trying to pad the awards show!

It's just so that they can have more awards. After all, there is a fine line between supporting and leading actor/actress in films with one main lead. Is the largest role played by a person of the opposite gender the 'lead' or is it 'supporting'? Not many people would tune into the Oscars to watch them give out 'Best Actor' and 'Best Film/Animation/Documentary/Hey-Whatever' awards with no other awards alongside them. :o)

[bronnyelsp]

Best newcomer in hockey is "rookie of the year." :) We could get just as many categories if we divided them into musical/comedy vs drama, like they do at the Golden Globes.