Is a Best Picture Winner Allowed to Flop? The Curious Case of ”One Battle After Another“
The awards season is officially underway, but a fascinating and somewhat unsettling question is emerging: can a film win Best Picture and still be considered a box office failure? Currently, all eyes are on “One Battle After Another,” a critically acclaimed film facing a perhaps hefty financial loss.
Early estimates suggested a $100 million loss,a figure the studio disputes. However, even if the final tally is lower, the possibility of a significant financial setback raises a provocative point – could “One Battle After Another” become the first Best Picture winner to definitively flop?
A Rocky Fall for Awards Contenders
It’s important to understand this isn’t happening in a vacuum. This fall has been especially brutal for many would-be awards contenders.Beyond the blockbuster successes of films like “Zootopia 2” and “Wicked: For Good,” several films aiming for Oscar attention – including “The Smashing Machine,” “Roofman,” and “Christy” – have struggled to connect with audiences.
This broader context actually positions “One Battle After Another” in a relatively stronger light.while not a runaway success, it’s performing better than many of its competitors.
The Cost of Ambition
Ultimately, the biggest challenge for “One Battle After Another” isn’t necessarily its box office numbers, but its budget. It was an expensive film to make, and that’s a key factor in assessing its financial performance.
You might even argue that the sheer cost of production is a statement in itself. In an era where enterprising, large-scale films are becoming increasingly rare, “One Battle After Another” represents a commitment to a type of filmmaking that’s under threat.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
Consider this: the film’s fate speaks to a larger conversation about risk and reward in the movie industry. It’s becoming harder and harder to get original, creatively driven projects greenlit, especially those with substantial budgets.
* The Changing Landscape: Studios are increasingly focused on established franchises and proven properties.
* The Value of Risk: “One Battle After Another” demonstrates a willingness to take a chance on something different.
* Defining Success: Perhaps we need to broaden our definition of success beyond simply box office revenue.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Oscars
Right now, the awards race is still wide open. Several other contenders are gaining momentum, including:
* “Hamnet”: A recently released drama garnering critical praise.
* “Sinners”: Ryan Coogler’s latest, which is returning to IMAX screens alongside “One Battle after Another” on December 12th.
* “Marty Supreme”: an A24 film that hasn’t yet been released in theaters.
It’s crucial to remember that early awards don’t always predict the Academy Awards winners. The voting process is complex, and a lot can change in the coming months.
However, the situation with “One Battle After Another” forces us to confront a fundamental question: what truly constitutes a accomplished film? Is it purely financial, or is there room for artistic merit and cultural impact to play a role? As one of the film’s characters might say, “Viva la revolution!” – a revolution in how we value and support the art of filmmaking.
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