Minds Wide Open Series–Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears

Minds Wide Open Series–Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 7:30 pm EST to 8:30 pm EST


The Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement presents “Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears” featuring Michael Schulman and moderated by Dr. Diana Mafe, Director of the Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement.

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The Academy Awards remain a popular ceremony with global audiences, who tune in for the night when Hollywood hands out golden statuettes to “the best” in the industry. But in its almost century-long history, the annual ceremony has seen its share of controversies, upsets, shocking moments, and calls for change. Looking ahead to Oscars 2025, what do this year’s nominees tell us about the Academy? What are some of the new rules in place? And what do audiences really want to see at the Oscars? Join us for a conversation with writer Michael Schulman about his latest book, Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears, and this year’s Academy Awards.

Michael Schulman is a staff writer at The New Yorker, where he has contributed since 2006, primarily about arts and culture. His work has also appeared in the New York Times, Vanity Fair, and other publications. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Her Again: Becoming Meryl Streep, and the book Oscar Wars, which the Wall Street Journal called “the best book about Hollywood’s biggest night.”

All Denison alums, students, families, faculty, and staff are invited.

Attendees will receive the Zoom link via email following successful registration.

About the Minds Wide Open Series

This talk is part of a series produced by Denison University’s Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement. The Minds Wide Open series explores relevant topics from several points of view, promoting civil discourse and thoughtful engagement. This program directly supports Denison’s mission of inspiring students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents, and active citizens of a democratic society.