The Oscars and Grammys Aren't Relevant to Success

Since the 1920s and 1950s respectively, the Oscars and Grammys have been the highest achievements in the film and music industries. Winning these awards was considered the ultimate validation of talent. However, these awards are irrelevant when measuring a movie’s or artist’s success. 

The Oscars and Grammys used to be THE awards that an artist or film could get, since, at the time of their inception, there weren’t many ways to measure success in both industries. In today’s world, box office revenue, streaming numbers, social media influence, and fan engagement show a better picture of a movie’s or artist’s impact. For instance, artists like Ariana Grande, whose albums dominated streaming charts, didn’t win a Grammy until 2019 but she still had a major influence on the music industry before then. Movies like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” can pass box office records, win 35 other awards, and be one of a kind, but still not win an Oscar.

The Oscars and Grammys have faced criticism for their lack of diversity and bias. The underrepresentation of women and people of color has forced people to question whether these awards reflect the best of the best in each industry. For instance, the “#OscarsSoWhite” campaign showed the lack of diversity among Oscar nominees in 2015 and the Grammys have been accused of sidelining hip-hop and R&B artists in major categories multiple times despite their popularity within the public. The voters for each nominee mainly reflect the preferences of that group of industry insiders rather than the values of the public, lessening the credibility of these awards as measures of success. Since 2019, about 8,700 new members have been added to the voting body, allowing for an increase in people who identify as POC by 63%. This year, Grammy results have differed completely, with half of the winners being POC, suggesting that winners may directly result from the increase of POC Grammy voters. Kendrick Lamar won Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Beyonce won Album of the Year and Doechii won Best Rap Album.

The public values authenticity, connection, and relatability more than institutional validation. Artists and filmmakers who engage directly with their fans and communities often build lasting legacies, even without winning any awards for their work. One example of this phenomenon is Beyonce. Her cultural impact through song exceeds her Grammy wins (even though she is the all-time Grammy winner), as her work resonates deeply with fans through storytelling and celebration of Black culture.

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube have changed viewers’ access to content, allowing creators to reach their audiences directly. This change has made award ceremonies less central to defining what is popular or successful. These awards are increasingly seen as marketing tools rather than genuine acknowledgments of talent. Studios and record labels spend millions on campaigns to secure nominations and wins, turning the process into a more transactional ceremony rather than an objective evaluation of talent. This further shows the lack of authenticity and significance of these awards.

Success in art is subjective and no single award can show how movies and music resonate with audiences. A popular film or a viral TikTok track can leave a lasting effect without ever being acknowledged by any institution or winning any awards. In many cases, the impact of any art is better measured by its ability to spark joy, make a connection, and provoke thought than by the awards it receives.

While the Oscars and Grammys have traditionally been standards of excellence, their relevance in defining success is fading. In an era where audiences have more power than ever to shape the culture we live in, success is no longer determined by a golden statue but by the meaningful connections songs and films make with people’s lives. By embracing new metrics and changing what success looks like, we can celebrate a broader view of achievement.