And The Award Goes To...

I think I was part of a very small number of people who didn't watch the Academy Awards last night. Nor did I watch the Grammy's, Golden Globes, etc. I don't like awards shows. They hold no appeal for me. I am disgusted with today's Hollywood and what equates celebrity status these days. Fame used to mean something. It meant you had talent, grace, poise and character. Yes, of course there were some exceptions, but they were few. These days all it takes to be famous is a sex tape, a crotch shot, a bad break up or sleeping with the right (or wrong) people. Movies are pumped out faster than I can keep up, and the vast majority of them are downright awful. True creativity has gone the way of the true celebrity. I am thoroughly unimpressed with all of it. 
The golden age of Hollywood is long gone. Most of today's youth will never know real talent. When actresses like Kristen Stewart are winning awards, you know things have gone sour. 
Awards shows, especially the Oscars, used to be reserved for the best of the best. For actors like Sidney Poitier, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, etc. For movies that could do more than move you to tears. They ripped your heart out and stomped on it. If you've ever seen 'Sophie's Choice' and felt the raw anguish that Meryl Streep portrayed when her character has to choose which of her children should be killed, then you are familiar with true talent. I can't think of a single popular actress today who could even come close to filling her shoes. 
Movies used to be produced because they were good. They were funny, heart-warming, dramatic, intense and worth watching. These days, we are lucky if 1 out of every 20 movies that gets released is worth not only watching, but paying top dollar to see at the theater. Now all it takes to make a movie is enough money and connections. No talent, passion or creativity required. 
And along with everything else that has turned to crap in Hollywood and the television industry, awards shows have jumped on the bandwagon. Your product no longer has to be good to win awards. It just needs the right promotions. Get someone well known and respected to talk about it. Put your actors and music in every commercial, media spot and website you can find and... BRAVO, you win. It doesn't matter that your product was a complete flop, it only matters that you convinced the right people that it wasn't. And guess what?? The public falls for it. We start to question our own opinions and good taste. Well it won so many awards... maybe it really was good. 
And don't get me started on the sheer number of awards shows there are now. How can anyone keep up? So you weren't talented enough to win a Grammy? Oh, but you killed it on the Teen Choice Awards! *eye roll* Enough is enough. You make a gazillion dollars to play dress up and pretend, isn't that sufficient? Now you need to be gushed over and told how amazing you are not just once a year, but hundreds of times? It might be time for an ego check, folks. 
I think it's time for a real life awards show. The American Hero Awards, The Super Soldier Show, The Best of the Brave Honors... shall I continue? Everyday in America alone, there are millions of people just doing their jobs. Saving lives, risking life and limb, volunteering their precious time and doing amazing things. When do they get the accolades and standing ovations that they deserve? Instead they get pay cuts, job loss, more bills and less money. Yet they get up every single day and do what's right. They support their families, pay their taxes and help out their neighbors. No fancy outfits, borrowed diamonds or red carpet required. 
I think it's time for a reality check. I think it's time we stopped idolizing the wrong people, and start valuing quality again. I think it's time for celebrities to step up and set better examples, not just for their fans, but for themselves. I think we need to take a step back and get our priorities in order. I think it's time we teach our children that they can like the sports stars, rappers and actresses, but that they should be able to name at least as many scientists, soldiers, doctors and REAL people that they admire as well. Turn off the Grammy's and turn on The Nobel Peace prize awards. Watch at LEAST half as many educational shows as you do movies and reality shows. Honor the people in your lives who do great things. Have your kids make awards and pass them out to teachers, volunteers, firefighters, etc. Let's start putting some time and energy into things that really matter. 
Now before I wrap this up, let me just say that I'm not judging those of you who watch awards shows. If it entertains you, that's great. I have no problem with that. Even I get sucked in from time to time and watch for a few minutes. I am merely saying that I think we need to start investing some time for better things as well. I would like to see real heroes get as much attention as the Oscars and Grammy's.