Perhaps Moira Rose captured it perfectly on “Schitt’s Creek” when she claimed her favorite season was none other than that of award shows. Played by the late Catherine O’Hara, Moira’s quip speaks greatly to her character — one marked by vanity and obsessive curation of the way she is perceived by others. Beyond her character, this quip also underscores a notion that is yet to be formally recognized by many — the opulence of award shows might just ruin their significance.
How can we sit idly watching millionaires flatter each other when over 3,000 people have been arrested in Minneapolis or when our own government published dozens of nude photos of women? Does the flash of an “ICE out” pin or the condemning of the current administration during an acceptance speech suffice, or is it just performative?
These points are by no means an argument to banish award shows and make viewers feel guilty for watching, predicting and engaging with the events — rather, it serves as a reminder that we must watch them with a critical eye. After all, the core message of these award shows is rather positive, with each ceremony celebrating the arts and highlighting the importance of creativity and those who wield this power within our society. Additionally, each event offers the opportunity to spotlight diversity and boost different perspectives, experiences and cultural influences into mainstream media. Many celebrities in attendance at these shows openly denounce the use of AI, working to bolster an opinion that is becoming increasingly contentious.
These shows — the Grammys, Oscars, Tonys and Emmys — also serve as an important reminder that the arts play an integral role in our day-to-day lives. Artists capture emotions we feel we could never articulate through their lyrics and acting. Products of these creators’ hard work become comfort shows that can pull us out of the lowest of headspaces or that one song we associate with an amazing memory. The artists, actors, producers and directors of the media that accomplish this deserve to be formally recognized and awarded for their work.
That being said, the protesters marching in subzero temperatures in Minneapolis, the American citizens getting racially profiled and kidnapped off the street and the few politicians taking a stand against the current administration’s actions deserve just as much attention. If nothing else, they deserve more than a pin attached to a custom Balenciaga suit and a brief mention in an acceptance speech. While each of these efforts play a role in condemning the state of our country — a role that is amplified by the platform these celebrities have — they are not enough.
Actions speak louder than words, and just because a celebrity takes the time to condemn the current administration or wear a pin doesn’t mean that they’ll take substantive actions for a better tomorrow. We should all feel entitled to enjoy award season, rank the celebrities’ outfits and celebrate when our favorite 2025 movie wins big. However, we have an obligation to do so while considering the broader context in which this season is situated, and without forgetting that it takes more than a pin to enact and effect considerable change.
The Pitt News editorial is a weekly article written by the opinion editors in collaboration with other desk editors. It reflects the collective opinion of the current Pitt News editorial staff.