How the Oscars Work (and Why They Get It Wrong)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has roughly 10,000 members divided into 17 branches. Each branch nominates within its specialty: actors nominate actors, directors nominate directors, and all members vote on the final winners. This means Best Picture is decided by the full membership, while technical categories are decided by smaller, more expert groups. The system explains both its strengths and weaknesses. When all members vote on Best Picture, popularity and sentiment often override artistic merit. Campaigning plays an outsized role. Films released late in the year have an advantage because they are fresher in voters minds. Streaming films face an uphill battle against theatrical releases. Despite all this, the Oscars remain the most reliable single predictor of which films will be remembered decades later.