10 Shocking Problems With How The Oscar Voting Works

6. Oscar 'Bait'

Oscar 'bait' films are typically released in the later months of the year when the Academy is set to compile its ballot. Typically addressing important societal issues, they are often stirring dramas or historical epics. Featuring acclaimed actors, emotionally charged scores and a moving story, the producers certainly hope to grab the Academy's attention with these films. Last year's Best Picture nominees featured the likes of Spielberg's Lincoln alongside Tarantino's Django Unchained; Benh Zeitlin's Beasts of the Southern Wild alongside Silver Linings Playbook €“ films so vastly different in genre and production values that could only boil the award down to the most accomplished. Unique, visually impressive films also fare well: the third instalment of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, won an impressive 11 Oscars during the 76th Academy Awards in 2004. Arguably, this success is attributed to the fact that there was nothing, in terms of genre and length, to rival its ambition. Although these films don't always win, we can certainly expect to see at least one historical drama or philosophically-themed film each year.