Nobel Peace Prize - what's it worth?

[Slytovhand]

Given the thread on Obama's award and the general thoughts expressed there, do people still think it has much value?

And let's extend the thought pattern here... what about some other prestigious prize, award or reward. If someone receives it whom is very .. 'controversial' (for want of a better word) and does not appear to be truly deserving, does that negate the value of it for all time?


I recall many years ago, the first (and only) Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance Vocal or Instrumental was given to Jethro Tull (whom I've been a fan of for years - and is not metal or hard rock), over Metallica and Alice Cooper (who, decidedly, are metal/hard rock). That damaged the Grammy's for some for a while.. now?

[Tanasi]

The Grammies and the Oscars have become a joke with the awarding of prizes to Algore, Hillary, Michael Moore.

[jackfaire]

To me the Oscars were always a joke because they aren't voted on by the consumers but rather like if congress suddenly decided they were voting for the President and we had no say.

I mean seriously it's voted on by people in the industry not people who see the end product as an outsider. Their opinions are not objective even in the slightest.

If I think someone is the best actor it's because I think their preformance was the best not because I happen to like them as a person.

[AdminAssistant]

The reasoning behind only letting Academy members vote on the Academy Awards (i.e. The Oscars) is that they're the experts in various fields. Sure, you could have Best Picture and Best Actor awards up to popular vote (or you could watch the People's Choice Awards). However, does your average American know the finer points of Sound Editing? Visual Effects? Costume Design? Artistic Direction? Cinematography?

Also, jack, the final reviewers are usually specially selected and sent a packet of materials from the nominees. They do see the end product. Biased? Sure. But I'm pretty sure that they have rules in place where you can't vote for yourself, or your movie, or your spouse's movie.

Are the Oscars political? Oh hell yes But quite frankly, if the Oscar's were up to popular vote, Stephanie Meyer would get an award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Also, I might suggest that the Oscars are a teensy bit less important than the Presidential elections.

[Slytovhand]

Also, I might suggest that the Oscars are a teensy bit less important than the Presidential elections.

How many watch the election or congress on TV?

How many watch American Idol?

[jackfaire]

Also, I might suggest that the Oscars are a teensy bit less important than the Presidential elections.

I agree honestly my biggest beef with the Oscars is the same as I have with literature and being told unless I am reading the "Classics" then I am reading trash.

Some people use awards like this or the popularity of something to define it as good, not their own taste, and then I am judged for not agreeing.

For example watched the movie Brazil with some friends. I hated it thought it was boring and completely lacking in entertainment.

Friend thought it was one of the best movies he had ever seen, he thought it was boring and lacking in entertainment, but hey it was "artistic" so thus one of the best movies he had ever seen.

Awards like critics opinions to me mean nothing. I don't even trust my friend's opinions of what I will or will not like because they are usually wrong.

[Rapscallion]

I mean seriously it's voted on by people in the industry not people who see the end product as an outsider. Their opinions are not objective even in the slightest.

I would consider a smaller group to have a better chance of remembering past the 'hit' of last week than mob rule. More people together go with the herd mentality.

Rapscallion

[jackfaire]

I would consider a smaller group to have a better chance of remembering past the 'hit' of last week than mob rule. More people together go with the herd mentality.

Rapscallion

True but I only trust my own opinions when it comes to what I will like. All I like to hear from other people is what the movie is about then based on that I decide if it sounds good to me or not.

For the most part everything gets a chance.