84th Annual Academy Awards

 The Oscars is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. Some of the most recognizable faces in film will be attending this star-studded event.  The Academy Awards were first introduced in 1929, to honor individuals for their cinematic achievements in the film industry. In so many ways, the Academy Awards are considered to be one of the most prominent award ceremonies in the world. Also, the Oscars are one of the oldest ceremonies in media as well. The name Oscar originated from actress Bette Davis, who named the award after her first husband, Harmon Oscar Nelson. The 85^th Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. One of the things that fans look forward to at the ceremony is the red carpet entrance of all the stars. Also, being able to see what the stars will be wearing for the event is very special.

     The awards given for the event are comprised mainly of Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director. Indeed, these particular awards are considered to be the cream of the crop in the film industry. More importantly, winning an Oscar could change an individual’s life and career forever. Some of the notable films and actors nominated this year, are Ben Affleck in Argo, Denzel Washington in Flight, Django Unchained, Life of Pi, and Lincoln. The films that are nominated this year are some of the best in recent years. The cinematography and the originality of films have evolved so much over the years. On the other hand, the Academy Awards have been criticized constantly for not recognizing the artistic vision, and the cultural influence of some films. As a result, the box-office winners usually are the films that demand the most attention, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the best film though. In my opinion, the Academy should find a different ways to vote for individual categories. Perhaps, that can broaden the audience at the event and maybe that can change the landscape of the film industry. The Academy Awards has been around over 84 years, and hopefully they’ll be around for many more years to come. 

55TH Annual Grammy Awards

    On February 10, 2013, the 55^th Annual Grammy Awards will be held at Staples Center in Los Angeles. By industry standards, a Grammy Award is the highest and most coveted honor in the recording industry. The Grammy’s were established in 1959 to recognize outstanding achievements in the music industry. The name originates from the trophy design, which resembles a gilded gramophone. Music executives created the award so individuals could be recognized by their prospective industry, which is similar to the Oscars and the Emmys. The award category consist mainly of four awards, Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artists. In fact, there are other awards that are given as well. For example, the Lifetime Achievement Award and also the performance and production awards are given each year. LL Cool J, who hosted last years Grammy’s, will host the event once again. Some of the notable artists slated to perform this year, are Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Frank Ocean, Mumford & Sons, and Hunter Hayes. 

      In many ways, the Grammy Awards gives artists a chance to be heard and to showcase their talents. More importantly, the Grammy’s gives a worldwide view of every genre of music. On the other hand, many individuals have a different take on the awards. Music executive, Steve Stoute accused the Grammy’s of snubbing artists that posses a greater cultural impact, also he believes that the awards have lost touch with contemporary popular culture. Nonetheless, the Grammy Awards are a distinguishable part of our musical history and also how we measure our music. Over the years, the Grammy Awards have fueled the musical careers of so many artists, musical icons such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Lauryn Hill, Norah Jones, and Adele.  In my opinion, the Grammy Awards are good for our industry, because it motivates artists to continue to create new and innovative music for the world to enjoy.