A few thoughts on the Oscars — and Books

This year, I managed to see nearly all the Oscar films! That doesn’t happen often, but thanks to a couple of long haul flights, I caught up on everything from F1 to One Battle After Another.

It’s always wonderful to see the winners make their speeches. They are excited, moved, and sometimes emotional, but always filled with gratitude. And no wonder. Bringing a film to life is an amazing undertaking involving scores of people from editors to set designers, many of whom are only recognized in the credits as they roll at the end.

While individual achievements are remarkable, it’s like the author receiving a prize for writing a book. The award for Best Picture is truly the opportunity to recognize everyone who was part of getting a film from idea to theater. There’s a reason that you see 30 people make their way to the stage for a Best Picture win — and it’s not unlike the effort it takes to bring a really great book to life. If you’ve ever been an author or part of an author team getting ready to submit their book to the publisher, you can relate. I currently have a team that’s within a week or two of submission on a book they’ve been working on for 3 years! It represents a lifetime of work for these educators and experts. It’s truly an achievement — Oscar-worthy, even.

I think a lot about what or who I would vote for if I was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. What lessons about these terrific movies translate to books and publishing?

1. Not every person will love every film — or book. It’s hard to compare the fun of K-Pop Demon Hunters to the intense drama of Hamnet. Frankenstein and F1 don’t seem to be films that similar audiences might love, but seeing them all broadened my perspective in the best of ways. Books can be the same. If you only read what you know you’ll love, you won’t discover anything new. You won’t push your own boundaries or become uncomfortable. Everyone is different and not every book will speak to every reader. And that’s OK.
2. Some films are more subtle than others. Same with books. Some will have a clear message that’s easy to interpret while others will have themes or ideas that not everyone will get. You get to decide. Don’t be afraid to say what you love and what you don’t without worrying if someone says it’s “bad.” A lot of books just may not be your cuppa tea. The perfect book — like a film — is the one that uplifts the reader, communicates the message elegantly, and makes the reader feel good.
3. It takes a huge team to produce consumable art. There’s a reason there are so many people on stage to accept those wins for Best Picture. Everyone gets to take a bow and take pride in what they produced. But books? Don’t forget that behind every book or author you love is a host of editors, designers, marketers, sales people, executives, and others who helped the author’s vision come into the light.

What additional parallels do you find between excellence in films and books? Whatever they may, it’s a reminder to read, and view and discuss and proclaim what you loved — or didn’t! There is no right answer. You can love Sinners and K-Pop Demon Hunters equally and for different reasons. The same goes for books. The important thing is that you read it — or saw it — and formed your own thoughts!