Oscar draws attention to low-key films

Good diversity, lots of superb films in 2017, some first-time nominees, others who are overdue, and even a little bit of Canadian content. There’s not a lot to bitch about this year when it comes to the 90th Academy Award nominations.

The controversies began seconds after the nominations were revaled, early Tuesday morning. Nothing creates debate more than a list (that’s why we began a weekly feature in the Okanagan Weekend.)

People need to realize that it’s an awards show, not brain surgery. It’s Hollywood’s night to showcase what they consider to be the best in film over the past 12 months. Winning an Oscar boosts an actor’s salary on their next project and guarantees the best picture will triple its take at the box office.

With the exception of best picture, which expanded to a maximum of 10 nominations a few years ago (it’s confusing), all other categories are capped at five. That’s good. It makes it inclusive but it also creates oversights (Tom Hanks, Judi Dench, Wonder Woman).

The Oscars provide a valuable service. Major blockbusters are not usually nominated, and if they are it’s in the technical categories. Almost every film — “Crash” an exception — that receives a best picture nomination is pretty good and worth a look.

The added exposure from the Oscars draws attention to movie-goers who may want something a little deeper than the latest Marvel super hero movie.

A film like the Canadian-made “Room” would have gone unnoticed if it weren’t for five Academy Award nominations in 2016. The Oscar nods brought “Room” an audience and launched the career of Vancouver child star Jacob Tremblay.

Oscar himself is not overly daring. It would be great to see something truly unique, like Andy Serkis being nominated for playing an ape in the “Planet of the Apes” series or Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings.” They haven’t yet arrived. The ceremony itself is predictable (here are your winners: “The Shape of Water,” Guillermo del Toro, Gary Oldman, Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell and Allison Janney), about 45 minutes too long, and preachy.

Why the Oscars have never invited Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to host remains a mystery?

The show is getting better. The years of Snow White and Rob Lowe performing a routine, or Telly Savalas, Pat Morita and Dom DeLuise singing “A Fugue of Tinhorns” are in the past.

If you love movies, this is your Super Bowl ... this is your night.

Hooray for Hollywood. —James Miller Valley editor