The Oscars, officially known as the Academy Awards, is one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the film industry. The voting process behind these awards is both fascinating and intricate. Each year, movie enthusiasts, filmmakers, and industry professionals speculate on how the winners are chosen. But few understand the complexities of the voting system, who gets to vote, and how films are evaluated. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the Oscar voting process to provide a comprehensive breakdown of how it all works.
Who Gets to Vote in the Oscars?
The Oscars voting process is managed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), a prestigious organization consisting of over 10,000 members. Each of these members belongs to one of the 17 branches within the Academy, representing various professions within the film industry, from actors and directors to cinematographers and sound designers.
Membership Categories
The members who get to vote are split across these branches:
- Actors – This is the largest group, making up approximately 20% of the voting members. These include performers from all genres and levels of experience.
- Directors – Renowned filmmakers who have made significant contributions to the industry.
- Producers – Individuals responsible for overseeing film production.
- Cinematographers, Editors, Sound Designers, and more – Each department of the filmmaking process has its own representation within the Academy.
- At-Large Members – Individuals not affiliated with any specific branch but who have made considerable contributions to the film industry.
How Does One Become a Member of the Academy?
Becoming a member of the Academy is no small feat. It is by invitation only, which is extended to those who have demonstrated exceptional talent and expertise in their respective fields. Nominees and winners of previous Oscars are frequently invited to join, and prospective members can be recommended by current Academy members. A rigorous vetting process follows before one becomes part of the voting body.
How Are the Oscars Categories Determined?
The Oscars have multiple award categories, ranging from Best Picture to Best Visual Effects. Each category is governed by specific rules, ensuring only the best contenders qualify.
Best Picture
The most coveted award, Best Picture, can include up to 10 nominees, and every voting member of the Academy is eligible to vote for this category. The selection process here is more detailed, as it involves preferential voting (we’ll get into this later).
Acting Categories
Categories like Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress are determined solely by the actors’ branch. Once the final nominations are made, however, all Academy members are allowed to vote on these categories.
Technical Awards
Technical awards, such as Best Cinematography or Best Editing, are voted on by members of the respective branches. This ensures that professionals with expertise in a particular field are the ones selecting nominees and winners in their domain.
The Voting Process
The voting process for the Oscars occurs in two major phases: the nominations phase and the final voting phase.
Nominations Phase
In this phase, members from each branch vote for the nominees in their respective fields. For instance, directors nominate directors, actors nominate actors, and editors nominate editors. The only exception to this is Best Picture, where all members of the Academy can submit their choices. Each branch is responsible for selecting the final nominees based on their knowledge and expertise within that category.
Members are typically given a list of all eligible films and performances in their category. They must then rank their choices in order of preference. This ranking plays a critical role in determining which contenders make it to the final nominations list.
Preferential Voting System
The preferential voting system is used in both the nomination and final voting phases, especially for the Best Picture category. Instead of voting for just one nominee, members rank the films in order of preference. This system allows for a more balanced and nuanced selection process, as it takes into account the voters’ top choices.
When the votes are counted, the film with the fewest first-place votes is eliminated, and its votes are redistributed based on the second-choice preferences. This process continues until a film secures over 50% of the vote, making it the winner. The preferential voting system ensures that the winning film has broader support, rather than just a plurality of first-place votes.
Final Voting
Once the nominations are announced, all voting members of the Academy are eligible to vote in most categories, regardless of their branch. However, there are some exceptions, particularly in the technical and short film categories, where voting is limited to specific branches.
Members receive screeners—DVDs or digital downloads—of nominated films to help them make informed decisions. They are also invited to special screenings organized by the Academy. In recent years, the Academy has moved towards digital platforms to distribute screeners, ensuring that members can view all eligible films conveniently.
Each member casts their vote in secret, either online or through paper ballots. The final votes are then tallied by the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which has overseen the Oscars voting process for decades. PwC is responsible for maintaining the utmost confidentiality and ensuring the integrity of the voting process.
Security and Transparency of the Voting Process
The integrity of the voting process is paramount for the Academy. To maintain secrecy, PwC implements strict measures, including:
- Two sets of ballots are counted independently, ensuring there are no discrepancies.
- Only two PwC employees know the results before the envelopes are opened during the ceremony.
- The physical security of ballots is maintained, with secure transportation to and from counting locations.
Even though the Oscars have faced criticism in the past regarding transparency and diversity, the Academy has taken significant steps to improve its voting process. In 2020, for instance, the Academy expanded its membership to include more international members, increasing the diversity of voters.
What Factors Influence a Win?
While the voting process is strict and methodical, other factors inevitably influence the outcomes. Campaigning plays a significant role, with studios and filmmakers often hosting special screenings, Q&As, and advertising campaigns aimed at voters. Though direct lobbying is discouraged, it’s common knowledge that the popularity of a film among voters can be swayed by these efforts.
Cultural and Industry Trends
Films that resonate with cultural or industry trends often perform well during the Oscars. For example, movies addressing current political or social issues can capture the attention of voters. Similarly, actors or directors with a long history of being overlooked may finally receive their due recognition for a performance or film.
Conclusion
The Oscars voting process is as complex as it is prestigious. With over 10,000 voting members from various branches of the film industry, the Academy ensures that its awards represent the highest standards of filmmaking. From the preferential voting system to the intricate checks and balances in place to guarantee security, each step of the process is designed to maintain the integrity of the Oscars.