'Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker' Oscar nominations prove that an immersive experience can hide a movie's flaws
The Oscar nominations are in, and 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' is up for three awards. The movie itself has met with mixed reviews, with some pointing out the film's vast number of plot holes and unexplained loose threads. In the age of the blockbusters, however, the spectacle can more than make up for weak writing when it comes to making it an Oscar-worthy experience.
'Rise of Skywalker' may win the 'Star Wars' franchise its first Oscar since 'Return of the Jedi' (1983). It's been nominated in three categories - the Award for Best Visual Effects, Best Original Music Score, and Sound Editing, giving the 'Star Wars' franchise a new hope for an Oscar win after 40 years. While there were many fans who were disappointed by the ending to the nine-movie Skywalker saga, most agreed that it was an engrossing experience once the story was set aside. Where the movie's writing was a mess, its focus on its more technical aspects was impeccable.
Of course, one would expect no less from composer John Williams, who has been bringing in Oscar nominations and one win for the 'Star Wars' franchise from its very first movie with 'A New Hope.' While 'Star Wars' as a franchise seems confused about what makes a good 'Star Wars' story, the 'Star Wars' aesthetic and style has maintained a certain consistency across all nine movies.
The Oscar nominations highlight the need for the Oscars' many varied categories - not just for the vital recognition of the people who work so hard to make a film, but also to remind people that while certain aspects of a movie may be disappointing, there are aspects that can turn even the worst-written movie into an unforgettable experience.
The Oscar Awards ceremony will be held on February 9, 2020, at 6:30 pm EST.