The 2019 Academy Award for Best Picture was awarded to Green Book, a biographical comedy-drama directed by Peter Farrelly. While critically acclaimed for its performances and heartwarming narrative, the film’s victory remains a subject of considerable debate and scrutiny.
Behind the Golden Envelope: A Look at the 2019 Oscars
The 91st Academy Awards ceremony, held on February 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, saw a diverse range of films vying for the coveted Best Picture award. The competition was fierce, with nominees including blockbusters, independent darlings, and period dramas. Ultimately, however, it was Green Book that took home the top honor, beating out rivals such as Roma, Black Panther, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Favourite, BlacKkKlansman, Vice, and A Star is Born.
The Premise of Green Book
Green Book tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Don Shirley, a sophisticated African-American jazz pianist, and Tony Vallelonga, an Italian-American bouncer from the Bronx. Set in 1962, the film depicts their tour through the Deep South, forcing them to confront racism and prejudice while forging an unexpected bond. The title, “Green Book,” refers to The Negro Motorist Green Book, a real-life guide that listed businesses and establishments that welcomed African-American travelers during the Jim Crow era.
Critical Reception and Controversy
While Green Book was generally well-received by audiences and critics, particularly for the performances of Viggo Mortensen (as Vallelonga) and Mahershala Ali (as Shirley), the film also faced significant controversy. Some critics argued that the film offered a simplistic and sanitized portrayal of race relations in the Jim Crow South. Others criticized its perspective, which they felt centered on the white character, Tony Vallelonga, rather than Don Shirley. Family members of Don Shirley also expressed concerns about the film’s accuracy and portrayal of their relative.
Exploring the Competing Nominees
The 2019 Best Picture nominees represented a wide spectrum of cinematic achievement. Each film brought unique qualities to the table, making the competition particularly compelling.
- Roma: Alfonso Cuarón’s semi-autobiographical drama, shot in black and white, was a critical darling praised for its stunning visuals and intimate portrayal of domestic life in 1970s Mexico City. Many considered it the frontrunner.
- Black Panther: Marvel’s groundbreaking superhero film celebrated Black culture and empowerment. Its nomination was seen as a significant step forward for representation in the superhero genre.
- Bohemian Rhapsody: This biopic about Freddie Mercury and Queen was a massive box office success, appealing to a broad audience with its iconic music and emotionally charged story.
- The Favourite: Yorgos Lanthimos’s darkly comedic period drama offered a subversive and visually striking take on the court of Queen Anne.
- BlacKkKlansman: Spike Lee’s provocative film used humor and historical events to address themes of racism and police brutality in contemporary America.
- Vice: Adam McKay’s satirical biopic of Dick Cheney offered a critical and often scathing look at the former Vice President’s rise to power.
- A Star is Born: Bradley Cooper’s remake of the classic musical was a box office hit, praised for its performances, music, and emotional depth.
The diverse range of nominees reflected the Academy’s evolving tastes and a growing emphasis on representation and inclusivity.
The Aftermath and Legacy of Green Book’s Win
The selection of Green Book as Best Picture triggered immediate debate and discussion. Some celebrated the film’s message of unity and understanding, while others questioned its historical accuracy and perspective. The controversy surrounding the film highlighted the complex and ongoing conversations about race, representation, and storytelling in Hollywood. The win cemented its place in cinematic history, but also ignited lasting debates about the complexities of the Best Picture selection process.
The Impact on Peter Farrelly’s Career
Peter Farrelly, known primarily for his comedic films like Dumb and Dumber and There’s Something About Mary, received significant recognition for directing Green Book. However, the controversy surrounding the film also brought renewed attention to past problematic comments and actions. His career trajectory remains a subject of ongoing observation within the industry.
The Long-Term View: Green Book in Film History
Time will ultimately determine the long-term legacy of Green Book. While its initial reception was mixed, and its win controversial, the film continues to be discussed and analyzed in the context of race, representation, and the Academy Awards. Its impact on future filmmaking and the ongoing dialogue surrounding diverse storytelling remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What specific controversies surrounded “Green Book’s” Best Picture win?
The major controversies stemmed from criticisms of the film’s historical inaccuracies, its perceived white savior narrative, and the lack of input from the Shirley family during production. Some critics also argued that the film downplayed the severity of racism in the Jim Crow South.
Who were the frontrunners to win Best Picture in 2019 besides “Green Book”?
Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, was widely considered a frontrunner due to its critical acclaim and numerous awards leading up to the Oscars. Black Panther also had strong support, representing a cultural moment and box-office success.
How did the Academy Awards voting system work in 2019?
The Academy uses a preferential ballot system for Best Picture. Voters rank the nominees in order of preference. If a film receives more than 50% of the first-place votes, it wins. If not, the film with the fewest first-place votes is eliminated, and those ballots are redistributed based on the voters’ second choices. This process continues until a film reaches the 50% threshold.
Did Mahershala Ali win an Oscar for his performance in “Green Book”?
Yes, Mahershala Ali won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Don Shirley.
Did Viggo Mortensen win an Oscar for his performance in “Green Book”?
No, while Viggo Mortensen was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Tony Vallelonga, he did not win. The award went to Rami Malek for his performance as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.
What role did “The Negro Motorist Green Book” play in the film’s narrative?
“The Negro Motorist Green Book,” published by Victor Hugo Green, served as the guide that Don Shirley and Tony Vallelonga used to navigate the segregated South. It highlighted establishments that were safe and welcoming for African-American travelers, underscoring the challenges and dangers they faced during their journey.
How did the Shirley family react to “Green Book”?
The Shirley family expressed strong disapproval of the film, citing inaccuracies and misrepresentations of Don Shirley’s life and personality. They claimed they were not consulted during the film’s production and felt the film perpetuated harmful stereotypes.
What were some of the positive reviews of “Green Book”?
Positive reviews often praised the film’s heartwarming narrative, the strong performances of Ali and Mortensen, and its message of unity and overcoming prejudice. Some critics also appreciated the film’s accessible approach to addressing complex social issues.
How did “Green Book’s” box office performance compare to the other Best Picture nominees?
Green Book had a respectable box office run, earning a significant amount worldwide. However, some other nominees like Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star is Born grossed considerably more. Its box office performance was strong, but perhaps didn’t indicate a guaranteed win.
What is the “white savior narrative” and how does it relate to “Green Book”?
The “white savior narrative” refers to a trope in which a white character is depicted as the primary agent of change and progress for people of color. Critics argued that Green Book perpetuated this trope by focusing on Tony Vallelonga’s journey and development, rather than giving equal weight to Don Shirley’s experiences.
Did Peter Farrelly address the controversies surrounding “Green Book”?
Peter Farrelly and the film’s producers acknowledged some of the criticisms and expressed regret for any inaccuracies or offense caused. However, they also defended the film’s message and intent. His attempts at addressing concerns were met with varying degrees of acceptance.
Has the controversy surrounding “Green Book” impacted how the Academy approaches Best Picture selections today?
While it’s difficult to definitively measure the direct impact, the controversy surrounding Green Book’s win arguably contributed to increased scrutiny of the Academy’s selection process and a heightened awareness of representation and diverse storytelling. The Academy has made efforts to diversify its membership and promote more inclusive filmmaking. The overall effect remains a topic of ongoing conversation and evolution within the industry.