Many individuals question the legitimacy of award shows, often complaining about the voting process as the source of their skepticism. Typically, award shows use voting officials, a select group of professional industry members, who cast votes for nominees in various categories. Other times these awards are voted for by the public. Either way, the lack of transparency regarding how members are chosen, votes are counted, and awards are given, raised concerns among the public.

The Academy Awards, one of the most prestigious award ceremonies, had voting members who were a part of all different parts of the film industry. Actors, directors, and producers all took part in the voting process. Critics argued that this diverse group of voters could have pre-existent biases toward different films that lined up with what they believe in from their personal experiences and connections.

The existence of excessive marketing campaigns and advertisements for awards played a significant role in the outcome of award shows. Studios put a lot of money into promoting their films and actors, and this invested money led to what some perceived as an unfair advantage. The phenomenon of “Oscar campaigns” became well-known where studios host screenings, send gifts, and extreme lobbying towards viewers to sway voters. This practice contributed to the belief that success at award shows was not solely based on artistic talent.

Instances of unexpected wins and perceived snubs started discussions about the fairness of the selection process. When a film with significant hype lost to a less known contender, it sparked debates about the criteria for judging. At the 2024 Golden Globes, many were confused as to why Emilia Perez had won the award for best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture when its competitors were highly rated films like Wicked. These factors combined to create a narrative that award shows were influenced by politics and relationships, leading to widespread skepticism about their legitimacy.

The ongoing discourse reflected a deeper inquiry into the values and practices within the entertainment industry.