"Selma" Came Up Short at The Oscars Due to Being "Too Political"

Scene from Selma (2014)

With everything going on in the world, specifically in relation to The George Floyd Protests, there is a lot of focus around the need for change. Many are taking moments to look back on their lives and wonder how they could better themselves. Among the films that many are turning to is Selma (2014), which managed to nab an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. It's a film whose importance remains abundantly clear, especially as the cry for unity parallels modern events. However, this past week also brought about some news regarding why a film so monumental may have under-performed with The Academy: it was too political. In a recent Twitter conversation, it was revealed that the phrase "I Can't Breathe" kept the film from doing better, and in the process showed how much has changed in just five years and what still needs to be improved.

Check Out This Year's Best Original Song Shortlist

Scene from Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

One of the best parts of awards season is seeing what makes the short lists for each category. There's probably none as usually more interesting than the Best Original Song field. It is where even the mediocre films get to shine - that is if they have a good song or two. This year looks to be no exception. With a list that includes 91 titles, it's time to start thinking about how the category is going to look and which five will make it to the finals. Sure, Moana and La La Land seem like obvious bets, but what other music is worth remembering? Check out the list for yourself and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

Check Out the Nominees for the 2016 Spirit Awards

Scene from Moonlight

It's that time of year again. With a little over one month of the year to go, awards season has officially launched with its first major awards ceremony. The Film Independent Spirit Awards have officially announced their nominees in all of the categories with major players like Spotlight, Jackie, and Manchester by the Sea coming out strong. The following is a list of every category and its nominees. What do you think of the results? Make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments and be sure to check out the ceremony on February 25: the day before Oscar Sunday. More information will be given as it develops.

Review: "13th" is a Vital Documentary That Defines America in 2016

One of the biggest conflicts surrounding the 2016 presidential elections has been the unsettling and rampant nature of racism. With one candidate suggesting banning Muslims and "rapist" Mexicans as well as fixing the hellish slums of black communities; the idea of America being a nation of progress becomes hard to believe. As the election gets closer, it feels right to become introspective about why this remains such an issue and  how the culture seeks to face any change. Director Ava Duvernay jumps into the documentary world with the vital 13th: a documentary chronicling how despite the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery, it ended up creating a new form of racial bias. It may be specifically about the prison system, but in just 100 minutes, Duvernay's dissection creates a strong indication of the bigger racial problems in America.