Spartan Scroll

Commentary by ANTHONY VUONG

To give praise to the creators of film and inspire new generations to pursue their ambitions, the 89th annual Academy Awards Ceremony will be televised today.

Graphic by BENTON LOI

“La La Land,” possibly one of the most honored films to be recognized at the ceremony this year has been nominated in a record 14 categories, including Best Original Screenplay. In addition to representing the film, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, will be nominated for best actor and actress. With their talents displayed on the screen this year, much of the audience may easily recognize Gosling and Stone, or will be anticipating their appearance in the awards.

Some of the nominated movies have made an impact to viewers in many ways. The film “Hidden Figures” may have helped inspire others to pursue big dreams, much like the African American women portrayed in the film who worked extremely hard to earn jobs with NASA. Watching the Oscars honor movies they have seen can inspire many to accomplish goals beyond their expectations.

A musical aspect is also recognized in the Oscars as “How Far I’ll Go“ from the film “Moana” has been nominated for Best Original Song. Recognizing the elements of music used in films with their performance during the ceremony can be entertaining as well as providing exposure to new musical genres.

Viewers of the awards ceremony around the world are able to discover new perspectives in the art of film creation. Films like “The Red Turtle,” show the audience various symbolic meanings, mainly about the intangible, powerful bonds between people expressed through the use of hand-drawn animations.

To watching a number of familiar Hollywood stars all in the same room to be honored by the Academy not only creates great anticipation in viewers, but also may introduce audiences to new performers of works they had not yet considered.

“These are people who we pay attention to because, in one way or another, they influence our lives. How they dress, how they speak, what they like, what roles they play — they are profoundly influential…so much a part of our cultural layers of who is important and who is less important.” said Stuart Fischoff, Ph.D., professor emeritus of psychology at California State Universi ty and senior editor of the Journal of Media Psychology.

Hosting the Oscars this year will be the Jimmy Kimmel, a well known host of his famous late-night talk show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

The Oscars presentation will begin on Feb. 26 at 5:30 p.m. and can be live streamed through various television channels as well as media-based websites.