For the last one hundred or so years, the world has been one of the many beauties of filmmaking is cinematography. Obviously, there are a ton of other factors in developing a movie that people will enjoy. Actors and actresses need to be present to actually act out the story. But to act those scenes, an excellent screenwriter is needed to write compelling dialogue (or mediocre dialogue if the film is just a cash grab.). And for those scenes to be acted well and correctly, a director is needed. And for those scenes to look appealing a set designer is needed, and then a costume designer. And a camera crew, and a producer. That's a lot of "and's" right? Filmmaking is a difficult feat to perform alone. That is why a film crew is often needed to accomplish

Since the early part of the 20th century, films have needed camera operators. According to the oxforddictonary.com, a cinematographer is: "A person who oversees or directs photography and camerawork in film-making, especially one who operates the camera." These individuals are essential to films because obviously, they operate the camera. Sure anyone can pick one up and begin recording for their production. But like anything, there is more to the skill. Films have the luxury of telling stories in a certain way that other forms of storytelling can not tell. I want to take an example from the film: "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018).

Now, this film has some marvelous shots but I wouldn't say it's a masterpiece in cinematography. However, I will say that the film does an excellent job of highlighting character details. What do I mean exactly? Well, we are going to take a clip from when the Guardians of the Galaxy finally meet Iron Man, Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. Specifically, as the two groups converse with one another it's a simple reverse shot scene. Very common in a film as it is an easy way for filmmakers to record characters to conversate with each other. But specifically, watch Spider-Man's (Tom Holland) face expression when Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) insults Thor's good looks.

Avengers Vs Guardians Of The Galaxy - Fight Scene - Avengers Infinity War (2018) Movie CLIP HD  youtu.be 

You might be wondering what the big deal is? Spidey just gave a confused look. The point is that cinematographers have an important job capturing every actor's expression in a scene. It seems rudimentary, but think of it this way; without these cinematographers, the most iconic shots from films like "Empire Strikes Back" (1980) or Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) would have never been produced. Some can make the argument that without these shots, the films may not have been as well regarded as they are again. Not to diminish the other aspects of the job as they too play an important role.

So why am I writing this? I am not a film expert, just a casual viewer who was considering majoring in Film Directing. While I lost interest to pursue a career out of it I still enjoy a good flick. And while I still may just be a casual viewer in some people's eyes, I still recognize and appreciate all the members of a film crew that puts a film together… And apparently, the Oscars do not.

At the time of writing this article, The Academy announced for the 2019 Oscars, they will not be televising the awards for cinematography, film editing, live-action shorts and makeup and hairstyling (THR). Tons of film fans are outraged about the decision and even filmmakers online are outraged about the plan. Many of them taking to Twitter to voice their opinions on the manner.

According to Variety: John Bailey, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science, said that the choice was made voluntarily from the representatives of these categories. Though it should be noted that these are the representatives within their own organization and not the choice of any unions or guilds. I just find it frustrating that the Academy found a way to anger more of its viewers. Like I mentioned in my last article, the Hollywood elites are out of touch of people's views on films. I was talking with my scholarship advisor and she said it best.

The Oscars are doing all these unnecessary changes just so the casual viewers can tune in and have something at work to talk about again. Which should not be the point of the Oscars. It's supposed to celebrate film, specifically the films that actually deserve it. I will be tuning in to the Oscars not because I want to, but because I want to see how much of a mess this year's show will be. No host tried to introduce a popularity category, took back the decision. No female directors nominated this year, controversial nominees, a controversy over using actors instead of one signal host to present awards, and now not televising what makes films the beauty that they are. Major SMH.