On Thu, Feb 24, 2011 at 12:51 AM, Michael <[email protected]> wrote:
> (SNIP) I'd prefer we measure success through the twin (and often > conflicting) gauges of fan appeal (box office, sales, downloads, > ratings, etc.) and critical praise (kudos from acknowledged experts). > But the various branches of the entertainment industry want to throw > these tedious wank-fests/parties in the guise of recognizing > acheivement. It should be about the art, not about celebrities fawning > all over one another, and certainly not about seemingly rigged > "competitive" accolades. > I guess your claim that "it should be about the art" is what I am finding interesting about this discussion. Popular television, music and films are entertainment, not art. It would be crass and insulting and meaningless to have an awards show every year with red carpets and spot lights pimping the best poems or paintings or symphonies of the year. The Emmys Grammys and Oscars recognize quality in popular entertainment, using some unique algebraic combination of commercial success and critical appreciation. To argue (as I would) that Toy Story 3 is the best animated film of the year is not to say that it is true art, but is to recognize both its high technical quality and story telling. In addition, such shows function as in house awards shows. I guess not every industry has this, but lots do. At my job we have an awards ceremony every year. About 1500 gather in one large auditorium and an MC announces a series of awards for various accomplishments, along with a plaque or certificate and a (quite small) check. At the end they announce the biggie - the employee of the year. Most of us know the whole thing is relatively trivial - except when we dont win something that we think we are supposed to win, and when we get out turn winning the big prize, and accept the admiration and congratulations of our peers, it somehow for those few minutes seems oh-so-right. Our hard work and sacrifice and contribution seem momentarily to be recognized. We are genuinely moved as in our short speeches we take the time to thank the little people who helped us get where we are, and the various support personnel without whose talents our own would be wasted (because, in the beginning of course was the word). Is this a narcissistic wank-fest? Of course it is - but as I tried to explain to my mother repeatedly through those difficult adolescent years, there is nothing wrong with that. I guess we should not be surprised if even wealthy famous people need some of that too. -- TV or Not TV .... The Smartest (TV) People! You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "TV or Not TV" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/tvornottv?hl=en
