Oscars matter? Really?

Kenneth Turan writes on “Why the Oscars matter” in the March 23 Calendar. His argument is correct -- to a certain extent. The Oscars are of importance to those in the entertainment industry and related fields. They also matter to the legions of movie-worshipers worldwide.

However, in the larger scheme of the world, the Oscars are essentially another peculiarly American phenomenon blown far out of proportion.

The engine of the Oscar train is the media, which conduct this annual exhibition of fluff. The stokers are the executives, production companies and the “stars,” all of whom are engaged in the annual campaign of hyping and promoting their “importance” to the world. Last, but not least, are the movie fans, the passengers on the Oscar train, who can’t help themselves from buying into this and being taken for a ride.

But they are a minority in the big picture -- for most of the world couldn’t care less. Indeed, that larger world, the real world, is properly able to put the fantasy world of the Oscars in its place. Yes, the Oscar train is just that -- a toy going nowhere. But don’t tell that to Mr. Turan and his fantasy-loving friends.

Tim Katz

Los Angeles