Keep Dreaming

Here is a quote I took from an article about Dreamgirls in the New York Times yesterday: "“What is a ‘best picture?’ ” asked Rob Moore, Paramount’s president for worldwide marketing, distribution and operations. Mr. Moore noted that “Dreamgirls” found itself competing with nominees of a more typical bent toward serious drama, including “Babel,” another Paramount film; “Letters From Iwo Jima,” released by Warner Brothers Pictures, and “The Queen.”

“The category isn’t ‘most entertaining movie,’ ” Mr. Moore noted."

Huh?

If a film (a piece of entertainment) wins "Best Picture" shouldn't it be the most entertaining? What makes a picture "best" if not its ability to entertain?

The Websters Dictionary definition of "entertain" is: provide with amusement or enjoyment. Mr Moore seems to be implying that Dreamgirls was the most entertaining film of the year. Yet if Dreamgirls was, in fact, the most entertaining film of the year, shouldn't it by right, be the best picture? I've seen some great films this year, and not all of them are nominated. Children of Men wasn't exactly funny, but it was fascinating, and I was glued to my seat. The Queen was a joy; I laughed, I cried, I wanted to speak in an English accent for the rest of the evening. The Times doesn't mention "Little Miss Sunshine" but that was nominated for best picture, and happens to not only be endearing, but uproariously funny. All were entertaining.

Let's take a look at films that have won in the past:
2006- Ok, I disliked Crash. I think Brokeback was WAY more entertaining. But maybe some people, who happened to be in the academy, thought it was.

2003- LOTR 3, who can argue with any LOTR films? They are all magnificent and supremely entertaining.

2000- Gladiator. Now that's a great, entertaining film.

I think, without belaboring my point, you get it. Of course there are many many many entertaining films in a year. The Academy picks their five, and then their one, and one hopes that ones film is part of that group. But to say that "best picture" isn't about being the best entertainment is a pretty cynical statement that belies the whole notion of why the awards are given out. Which is to honor the achievement of making a great film.

Maybe "Dreamgirls" simply wasn't the most entertaining film of the year?