Talking Film: And the Oscar Goes To... (ASC150)

Discover the dazzling and occasionally shocking history of The Oscars®, as you watch and discuss award-worthy movie extracts with a film expert! 

What will you learn on this course?

The Academy Awards®, better known as The Oscars®, have shaped film conversation for nearly 100 years. Created to bring prestige to America’s motion picture industry, today their winners are celebrated and criticised in equal measure. 

In this special 1-day course, you will explore the glittering history of the Academy Awards®, examine some of Hollywood’s most momentous turning points, and learn why like many winners’ speeches, the Awards keep going and going! 

Through tutor-led presentations, group discussions and the screening of relevant film excerpts, you will: 

• Learn a brief history of the Academy Awards®’ origins
• Examine the first Oscars®, where silent films battled revolutionary 'talkies,'
• Consider key turning points in Hollywood history, as reflected by Awards nominees
• Explore selected upsets, occasions when films 'should' or 'shouldn't' have won, and what that suggests about Hollywood attitudes or tastes
• Discuss the Awards’ role in reflecting and influencing wider social trends

Indicative texts include The Jazz Singer, (1927) Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, (1927) Gone With The Wind, (1939) The Wizard of Oz (1939) and trailblazing “New Hollywood” films such as Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and The Graduate (1967) More recent winning and nominated films will also be highlighted, such as Moonlight (2016) and La La Land (2016). You may discover new and unfamiliar movies, or be reintroduced to old favourites.

On completing this short course, you will come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of award nominated films, their style, significance and themes, and be able to discuss, compare, critically analyse and contextualize films in general. 

Finish your day with an optional specially selected Award-Winning Film, screening in MAC’s cinema shortly after the class. Please note your course ticket includes entry into to this screening only and applies to green tier seating. 

• Talking Film: And the Oscar® Goes To… 10.30am – 4.30pm in Pinsent Mason 1
• Film (Optional) FILM TBD 5.30pm – 7.30pm in MAC's Cinema

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to learners of all levels, and aimed at those with a passion for film and going to the cinema. No prior knowledge is needed.

Although this is not an academic course, it is influenced by the tutor’s experience, which includes publishing scholarly work about film and teaching Film Studies at university level. 

At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. The room is wheelchair accessible. 

Do you need to bring anything? 

All course material is provided. You may want to bring a notebook and pen. 

Are there any additional costs?

There are no additional costs. 

Who teaches this course?

Daniel Jenkin-Smith