So, if you were hoping 2026 would be a simpler year than the previous few, you’re probably rethinking your expectations. There’s a bit going on. This week has been about leadership. Domestic and global. The Middle East. Oil prices. And reliving the past with the Covid Royal Commission Report.  

Oil isn’t toilet paper, but there’s a weird familiarity between Covid and our oil supply concerns, isn’t there? There's the fear of what happens if we run out of…something.

And so, in these difficult and uncertain times it can be helpful to look for a distraction, and I can’t think of a better one than the 98th Academy Awards, which take place on Monday afternoon New Zealand time.  

I know it sounds flippant. It’s easy to dismiss the Oscars as irrelevant during a tumultuous time. It’s all extravagant outfits, outrageous goodie bags, woke speeches - I can understand why some people think it’s an advertisement for Ozempic.  

But, actually, there is a place for the Oscars. Beyond the distraction and entertainment, the craft and storytelling on show is incredible and those responsible - from the directors and actors to the costume designers and sound engineers - deserve to be respected and honoured.  

When the news is all doom and gloom it’s easy to become cynical and negative about everything. So, it’s a choice to retain some positivity and remind ourselves of what’s possible and to celebrate talent and achievement - regardless of the industry it’s in.

As seems to be the case year after year, Kiwis are acknowledged for their incredible work at the Oscars. Costume designer Kate Hawley is nominated for Frankenstein - she is an inspiration for all young design students out there -  and the incredible team at Wētā FX are nominated for Avatar: Fire and Ash. The studio have already won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects 7 times. 7 times!

I quite often hear people say how much New Zealanders punch above our weight - particularly in the creative industries. I don’t like the expression. It means performing or achieving results better than expected and beyond one's ability, skill and experience. This is absolutely not the case. Regardless of our nation’s size and where we live, Kiwis have the ability, skill and experience to be at the top of whatever game they’re in, if they’re prepared to work for it.  

It’s easy to look at what’s going on in the world and say there are more important things to be thinking about than the Oscars. And that is true. But hey, throughout the award’s almost 100-year history there have always been more important things to think about.  

So, if you happen to have access to Disney+ tomorrow, set yourself up in front of a screen, take pleasure in people doing well, enjoy the distraction and the celebration of this marvellous art form.  

There are some exceptional films and Kiwis to cheer for.  

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