Every year, as the Academy Awards roll around, there’s a familiar expectation that lingers in the air: Will Hollywood finally “get political”? Will the biggest stage in cinema reflect the turbulence of the real world outside? It’s a compelling idea but also, historically, a misleading one.

Because the Oscars have never really been that political.

At their core, the Academy Awards are built on escapism. They are, first and foremost, a spectacle. A carefully produced three-hour fantasy where the world’s biggest stars gather under chandeliers and soft lighting to celebrate art. The tuxedos, the gowns, the orchestral swells, the standing ovations, it all serves a singular purpose: To create a sense of wonder detached from everyday reality. Even in years marked by war, civil unrest, or political upheaval, the Oscars have rarely allowed those tensions to dominate the room. The show must go on, and more importantly, it must feel good.

That instinct toward comfort isn’t accidental; it’s foundational.

The Oscars are also a uniquely American institution. For decades, the films that were celebrated, the stories that were elevated, and the histories that were retold largely reflected an American worldview. Hollywood wasn’t just exporting entertainment; it was exporting a narrative. One where America often stood at........

© Indian Express