Oscars to Hamilton: You Don't Have the Vote

Scene from Hamilton

If you're anyone who is anyone this past weekend, there's a good chance that you watched Hamilton on Disney+. How could you not? As one of the most revolutionary shows to hit Broadway this century, it is a show that has been shrouded in curiosity since its 2015 launch, and it has formed a deserved cult with its endless memorable song numbers. Though the one thing that has been asked since it was announced as if the live performance would stand any chance of getting a shot at Oscar glory. Well, there's been a bit of a delay. The prognostication may be put to rest as news came out that Hamilton is in fact disqualified from Oscar nominations. 

Should Live Theater Recordings Be Eligible for Oscar Nominations?

Scene from Give 'Em Hell, Harry

For most of us, this weekend will be a special moment. Not only is it the annual celebration of Independence Day, but Disney+ will at long last release a professionally shot version of the musical Hamilton. Most of us have been dying to see the show ever since it hit Broadway in 2015, and now that it's available for streaming, what will it all mean for the future of live theater? Will we be seeing every big show like Dear Evan Hansen and Hadestown making their way onto Netflix or Hulu? Will this be a one-off, or will the future look a lot more accessible to those outside of major city markets? Or, if I'm being honest, the question that I am asking myself is if Hamilton will stand a chance to be an Oscar-winning production?

That's a loaded question given that Hamilton has more in common with Tony and Grammy Awards, fields that recognize stage work. Given that it was originally scheduled for a theatrical release, it does seem like would stand a chance even if there's very little precedent for it getting a nomination. Well, I want to ask for a show of hands. Does anyone know the other Oscar-nominated work that's basically a filmed piece of live theater? Any takers? While Hamilton has an uphill battle to make the cut, it wouldn't be the first to receive this distinct honor. There was one 45 years ago that earned James Whitmore his second Oscar nomination, also steeped in American history. Yes, Give 'Em Hell, Harry remains the only major crossover between stage and screen to receive an Oscar nomination. If anything suggests a potential upset by Hamilton, it's this one.

The First Trailer for "In the Heights" Sets Off An Exciting Block Party

Scene from In the Heights

For all intents and purposes, the phenomenon of Lin-Manuel Miranda started over a decade ago with In the Heights. Yes, his later work on stage and in film may be more revered, but there's no denying the seismic shake that came with his story of a man named Usnavi living his life in Washington Heights. It wasn't just in the story. It was the way that the music fused classic Broadway motifs with contemporary sounds of salsa and hip-hop that reflected a new era of musicals. Suddenly America was culturally diverse and free to embrace their passions. In the Heights was a celebration that won Tony Awards and set Miranda up on his path to bigger things, most notably Hamilton. While audiences haven't likely memorized the soundtrack as well as any about the ten-dollar founding father without a father, be prepared to learn why In the Heights was a smash. The first trailer has finally arrived, and it's looking to be one of the best block parties of 2020. 

Super Delegates Bonus: Alexander Hamilton in "Hamilton:: An American Musical"

Scene from a Hamilton performance

Welcome to Super Delegates Bonus. As a subsidiary of Super Delegates, the sporadic additional column is meant to explore depictions of politicians on film outside of the conventional methods of the column. This ranges from everything such as political candidates in TV movies and miniseries to real life candidates providing feedback on their pop culture representation. While not as frequent or conventional, the goal is to help provide a vaster look at politics on film as it relates to the modern election year. Join in and have some fun. One can only imagine what will be covered here.