The Morning Edition Oscars popularity contest: Why the 'best' films don't always win
Mar 15, 2026
Nell Geraets, culture and lifestyle writer covering contemporary films. Karl Quinn, senior culture writer and awards analyst. They unpack how Oscars voting works and why popularity, timing and career narratives sway outcomes. They debate Sinners vs One Battle After Another, discuss campaigning, and whether political films or remarks change voting dynamics.
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Oscars Are A Popularity Contest Within The Academy
- The Oscars are a popularity contest among roughly 10,000 Academy members, not a pure meritocracy.
- Karl Quinn explains the Academy expanded from ~6,000 to ~10,000 to diversify age and race, which changed voting dynamics.
Career Timing Often Trumps A Single Performance
- Voters mix craft expertise with outside sentiment, so awards can reward career timing as much as a single performance.
- Karl Quinn cites narratives like "Has he earned it?" influencing choices beyond strict craft comparison.
Al Pacino's Scent Of A Woman Win As A Career Reward
- Al Pacino's Best Actor win for Scent of a Woman is a classic example of the Academy rewarding a career moment over earlier superior roles.
- Karl Quinn lists Pacino's earlier work like Dog Day Afternoon and The Godfather as more deserving historically.