Hollywood Prepares for Oscars Amid Global Tension, "Entertainment Will Prevail," Says Edward Berger

Hollywood is once again bathed in the spotlight as the world’s most prestigious film awards, the Oscars, are set to take place this Sunday (local time), amidst a backdrop of significant global tension. While the world watches, many are wondering just how political the ceremony will become. However, Oscar winner Edward Berger, director of the acclaimed "All Quiet on the Western Front," anticipates a show primarily focused on entertainment.

"It’s entertainment," Berger stated while in Los Angeles. "Politics largely takes a backseat. There will be jokes, they will be funny, and of course, there will be jabs at Washington, but it will remain within the framework of entertainment," he explained on the sidelines of a reception hosted by German Films, the foreign representation of German cinema. His remarks suggest a degree of separation between the artistic community and the immediate political climate, hinting at a celebration of filmmaking that might not be overtly political.

The event in Hollywood, held shortly before the gala, celebrated the German nominees and their respective teams. Berger, born in Wolfsburg, has a significant stake in the Oscars this year with his Vatican thriller, "Conclave," which has garnered eight nomination opportunities. The nominations for "Conclave" represent a broad range of potential wins, signifying the film’s impact on various facets of filmmaking.

The film is vying for the top prize of "Best Film" and also stands a chance of winning awards in categories such as Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor (Ralph Fiennes), Costume Design (Lisy Christl), and Music (Volker Bertelmann). The nominations for Christl and Bertelmann also bring in German talent, as Christl resides in Berlin, and Bertelmann is based in Düsseldorf. Their potential wins would highlight the creative contributions of German artists to international film productions.

Adding to the German representation, the drama "The Seed of the Sacred Fig Tree" by Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof, who resides in Hamburg, is competing for Germany in the International Feature Film category. This nomination underscores the collaborative nature of filmmaking, with Germany supporting international talent and providing a platform for diverse storytelling. The inclusion of a film by an Iranian director speaking for Germany also suggests a commitment to artistic freedom and international collaboration.

Another German production, "September 5," which chronicles the 1972 Munich Olympics attack, also has a chance at Oscar glory. Director and writer Tim Fehlbaum, screenwriter Moritz Binder, and co-author Alex David are nominated for Best Original Screenplay. This nomination reflects the dedication of the German film industry to exploring significant historical events and presenting them to a global audience. The film’s nomination also honors the memory of the victims and highlights the importance of remembrance and understanding.

Furthermore, special effects artist Gerd Nefzer, hailing from Swabia, could potentially win his third Oscar for his work on "Dune: Part Two." His previous Oscar wins speak to his talent and contribution to the visual spectacle of modern cinema. His nomination this year reflects his continued excellence in the field and further cements his status as a leading figure in special effects.

The 97th Academy Awards are also being held under the shadow of the devastating fires that raged in the greater Los Angeles area in January. These fires served as a reminder of the challenges faced by the region and the resilience needed to overcome adversity. The mention of the fires adds a layer of context to the event, emphasizing the importance of community and the ability to rebuild after disasters.

Berger, who triumphed at the 2023 Oscar ceremony with four awards for his war film "All Quiet on the Western Front," holds a high regard for the resilience of the film metropolis. "California, in particular, is incredibly quick on its feet and simply thinks ahead. When they fall, they get up again and say, ‘We’re building up, we’re carrying on.’" His statement reflects the spirit of perseverance that is deeply ingrained in the culture of Hollywood and the wider California community.

Berger believes that one could learn "an incredible amount" from this positivity. This optimism, he suggests, could also bolster the fighting spirit in the politically tense situation currently existing between Hollywood and Washington. "I am hopeful that we will continue to make films that are controversial and stand up to it and do not simply allow ourselves to be rolled over by the political actions happening right now."

Berger’s comments touch upon the importance of artistic expression in the face of political pressure. He suggests that filmmakers have a responsibility to create works that challenge the status quo and contribute to meaningful dialogue. He also subtly critiques the potential for censorship or self-censorship that can arise in politically charged environments, urging filmmakers to remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth and artistic integrity.

In essence, as Hollywood gears up for the Oscars, the atmosphere is one of anticipation tempered by awareness of the global and local challenges. While the focus remains on celebrating cinematic achievements, there is an undercurrent of recognition of the broader context in which these awards are being presented. Edward Berger’s perspective highlights the tension between entertainment and political expression, suggesting that the Oscars, while primarily a celebration of film, also have the potential to serve as a platform for commentary and reflection. The blend of German talent with international collaborations, coupled with the acknowledgment of recent adversity, sets the stage for an Oscars ceremony that is both celebratory and mindful.