Why ‘Parasite’s Oscar Wins Matter

Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson talks about modernizing the way we commemorate artistic achievements and recaps the Oscars.

The 92nd Academy Awards took place last night and it was one to remember, especially for Parasite, winner of Best Picture, Best International Film, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

There were also a couple of Detroit-centric moments. Detroit Today’s Stephen Henderson looks at the big wins, standout moments and snubs of the night.

“The way the show played out last night could signal a more relevant class of movies being nominated for that top prize.” – Adam Graham, Detroit News

Click on the player to hear Henderson and Adam Graham recap the biggest night in show business


Jake Neher/WDET
Jake Neher/WDET

Guest

Adam GrahamDetroit News film critic, talks about the Detroit moments of the night, which included Eminem performing ‘Lose Yourself’ and Chris Rock taking a jab at Ford during his exchange on stage with Steve Martin.

He notes that many people in the audience were a bit confused, perhaps rightfully so, when Eminem took the stage performing a song that came out 18 years ago.

When it comes to the big award winner of the night, Graham says Parasite “speaks to a lot of themes as to what’s happening today,” and he notes that director Bong Joon-ho has touched on social class issues in other films including “Snowpiercer,”  which Graham says “was a big train ride and a metaphor for classes.”

Further elaborating on the significance of Parasite’s success, Graham says that while films like “Ford V Ferrari” and “1917” were well done, “the way the show played out last night could signal a more relevant class of movies being nominated for that top prize. 1917 was amazing, stunning, but does it have any real relevancy today?” asks Graham.

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.