Well, the choice was not that, really. The news was over. We watched a bit of the national news, then “60 Minutes” and naturally switched over to the Academy Awards to see how a hostless behemoth show would flow (it did just fine!).
At first we did not intend to watch the whole extravaganza, but we did, right up to 10:20 pm when presenter Julia Roberts signed off for everyone (and she did just fine!).
The glamor was an obvious aspect of the evening. The behaviors and antics of celebrities is always a facet of interest. Soon the drama of the evening emerged: will this awards season feature well-earned attention to women, foreign talent and diverse ethnicity?
It certainly did. Women were in the forefront. So too, were the young and blacks and browns. A broad range of talent among a very diverse selection. Rich and at times surprising. The evening unfolded in an odd display of independence. The strut of pride remained in many, but humility reigned among the new faces and performers. Refreshing and upbeat. Human, too. So open and vulnerable to vast attention.
I think they did well. I was happy for them. They received kudos and a hearty slap on the back for jobs well done from their peers. Such an honor. It is humbling and revealing. A rich moment to observe.
Thinking of the week ahead I was reminded of the struggles of clients attempting to build new businesses or press forward with improved nonprofit operations serving key constituencies. Their struggles are real. They receive little or no attention for the work they do. The beneficiaries of the work appreciate their outputs; they are in such need. But peers often are caught up in their own efforts to advance a cause they are unaware of the dramas around them.
What are we about? What are the values we hold dear and fight for? Which imperatives get our attention? And why do we care about the Academy Awards?
I think I care because of this one simple thing: the academy is in the business of advancing the art form of film and its contributions to understanding the human condition. It is understanding life and other people which captures my attention. I feel more human and in touch with myself when a film is done well. The talent of hundreds makes the film effective. It is not only the stars; it is the entirety of the production that embraces the filmed action that makes for poignant moments.
We learn much about others from art forms. In turn that teaches us about ourselves.
We are the news makers. The Academy Awards only helps us understand that more clearly. And it motivates us to reach.
February 27, 2019
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