I like watching the Oscars every year. It is an entertaining night and I enjoy seeing people being rewarded for their hard work. Many people do not realize how critical editing, cinematography, lighting, directing, sound, etc. are to a film.

However, this year's Oscars left me feeling a bit disappointed. The only best picture nominated film I actually saw was "Dunkirk" but I have heard nothing but horrible things from those who have seen the best picture winner, "The Shape of Water."

"The Shape of Water" is just one of those movies I would never buy a ticket for or be able to sit through. Even people I know who enjoy the science fiction/fantasy genre did not want to go see it and thought the concept was odd.

My biggest issue with the movie is that one of the main characters has a disability but is not given an empowering storyline. Seeing individuals with disabilities in films needs to happen a lot more but they need to be portrayed in a good way. The lead woman in this film cannot speak, works as a janitor, and falls in love with an amphibious creature. Is this really the best we can do?

A better idea would be showing an individual with a disability pursuing their dreams, possibly thriving in a career they love, changing the world, making a difference, and maybe falling in love with another human being rather than a creepy monster-like thing.

A film like this will not inspire young children with disabilities. If they could see someone who reminds them of themselves in a film who does something extraordinary, falls in love, graduates from college, travels the world, or etc. that would inspire and empower them.

People with disabilities can have a future they love. They should not be reduced to janitors in films who fall in love with mythical creatures. It is disappointing that this film was rewarded for this ignorant portrayal. No matter how "well done" the film was, the storyline just seems distasteful and not worthy of an Oscar.

It also seems unclear of what an Oscar-worthy best picture winner is these days. Last year, people believed that "La La Land" lost to "Moonlight" because the latter had a more diverse, relevant plot that was extremely empowering and socially relevant. I love "La La Land" but understood why "Moonlight" won due to its powerful message.

Fast-forward to this year and it seems like the Academy abandoned that reasoning. Many of this year's nominated films had a strong, socially relevant messages involving women, the African-American community, the LGBTQ community, etc. One may have thought that any of those other films would take home the win. Instead, a completely socially irrelevant film with no empowering message won.

What is up with that? Who knows what the Academy is really looking for.

Thankfully, some well-deserved Oscars were handed out. "Dunkirk" received three for film editing, sound mixing, and sound editing which was incredible (if you like war movies, watch "Dunkirk." It is amazing and I do not even love war movies).

Also, James Ivory of "Call Me by Your Name" won best writing adapted screenplay. Seeing him win was incredible since he is the oldest person to even win an Oscar and because this movie seems so incredible.

Hopefully, next year's best picture winner will feature an exceptional cast and plot that truly empowers its audience. We can also hope that filmmakers will start making empowering films about those with disabilities that they can be proud of.