Green Book, a film exploring the unlikely friendship between a black pianist and his Italian-American driver in the segregated South of the 1960s, secured the Best Picture Oscar at the 91st Academy Awards in 2019. The victory, while celebrated by some, sparked considerable debate and controversy, making it one of the most talked-about Best Picture winners in recent memory.
The Road to Oscar Gold: A Contender’s Journey
Green Book’s path to the Academy Awards was anything but smooth. Released in November 2018, the film quickly gained traction with audiences due to its heartwarming narrative and strong performances. Viggo Mortensen, playing the boisterous and often offensive Tony Lip, and Mahershala Ali, portraying the refined and dignified Don Shirley, delivered captivating performances that garnered widespread critical acclaim. The film’s message of overcoming prejudice and finding common ground resonated with many viewers, propelling it into the awards season conversation.
However, amidst the accolades, controversies began to surface. Accusations of historical inaccuracies, particularly regarding the portrayal of Don Shirley and his relationship with his family, cast a shadow over the film’s narrative. Furthermore, resurfaced comments and allegations involving members of the production team further fueled the controversy. Despite these challenges, Green Book managed to navigate the turbulent waters of awards season, ultimately culminating in its victory at the Oscars.
The Night of the Awards: A Tense Revelation
The 2019 Academy Awards ceremony was filled with anticipation and uncertainty. Several films were considered strong contenders for Best Picture, including Roma, Alfonso Cuarón’s critically acclaimed and visually stunning masterpiece, and Black Panther, Marvel’s groundbreaking superhero film with a predominantly black cast and crew. As the final award of the night approached, the atmosphere was thick with suspense.
When the envelope was finally opened, the announcement of Green Book as the Best Picture winner was met with a mixture of cheers and gasps. The victory surprised many, especially considering the controversies surrounding the film and the perceived momentum of its competitors. The win sparked immediate reactions online and in the press, with some celebrating the film’s uplifting message and others criticizing the Academy’s choice, questioning its historical accuracy and perceived “white savior” narrative.
The Controversy Explained: A Delicate Balance
The criticism leveled against Green Book largely centered on its portrayal of race relations in the 1960s South. Critics argued that the film presented a simplified and somewhat sanitized version of the era’s racial injustices, focusing primarily on the perspective of the white character, Tony Lip. Some viewed the film as perpetuating the “white savior” trope, where a white character is depicted as rescuing or significantly improving the life of a person of color.
Furthermore, the family of Don Shirley publicly disputed the film’s depiction of his life and his relationship with his family, claiming inaccuracies and misrepresentations. These claims further fueled the controversy surrounding the film and raised questions about the filmmakers’ approach to historical accuracy.
Despite these criticisms, some defended Green Book, arguing that it offered a valuable message of unity and understanding. They emphasized the film’s positive portrayal of a burgeoning friendship between two men from different backgrounds and its ability to spark conversations about race relations, even if imperfectly. The debate surrounding Green Book continues to this day, highlighting the complexities and sensitivities involved in portraying historical events and social issues on film.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3: What other films were nominated for Best Picture in 2019?
The other films nominated for Best Picture in 2019 were: Black Panther, BlacKkKlansman, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Favourite, Roma, A Star Is Born, and Vice. This was a particularly strong year for nominees, reflecting a diverse range of genres and storytelling approaches.
H3: Who directed Green Book?
Green Book was directed by Peter Farrelly. He is known for his previous work in comedy, often with his brother Bobby Farrelly (films like Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary). This film marked a significant departure from his typical comedic style.
H3: Did Green Book win any other Oscars?
Yes, besides Best Picture, Green Book also won Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali’s performance.
H3: What is “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” and how is it related to the film?
“The Negro Motorist Green Book,” published from 1936 to 1966, was a guidebook for African American travelers navigating the segregated United States. It listed businesses and establishments that were safe and welcoming to black patrons. The film is named after this guidebook, as it plays a crucial role in the story as Tony Lip and Don Shirley travel through the South.
H3: What were the main criticisms leveled against Green Book?
The main criticisms centered around historical inaccuracies, the “white savior” narrative, and the perceived simplification of complex race relations. The portrayal of Don Shirley and his family was also a point of contention.
H3: How did Mahershala Ali respond to the controversies surrounding Green Book?
Mahershala Ali acknowledged the criticisms but maintained that he was proud of his performance and the opportunity to portray Don Shirley. He emphasized the importance of having difficult conversations about race and history.
H3: What is the historical accuracy of Green Book?
The film takes liberties with historical events. Don Shirley’s family disputed the accuracy of the film’s portrayal of his life and relationships. While inspired by a true story, it’s important to recognize that Green Book is a fictionalized account, not a documentary.
H3: What impact did Green Book’s Best Picture win have on the Academy Awards?
The win fueled conversations about diversity and representation within the Academy and the types of stories that are recognized and rewarded. It arguably influenced subsequent Oscar nominations and wins, pushing for more inclusive storytelling.
H3: Where can I watch Green Book?
Green Book is available for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Movies, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV.
H3: Who wrote the screenplay for Green Book?
The screenplay for Green Book was written by Nick Vallelonga, Brian Hayes Currie, and Peter Farrelly.
H3: What genre is Green Book?
Green Book is generally considered a comedy-drama or a biographical comedy-drama. It blends humorous moments with serious themes of race, class, and prejudice.
H3: Is Green Book worth watching?
Whether Green Book is “worth watching” is subjective and depends on individual preferences. While it offers a compelling narrative and strong performances, it’s crucial to be aware of the controversies surrounding the film and to approach it with a critical eye. Viewing it and then researching the historical context and criticisms can lead to a more informed understanding of the issues the film attempts to address.