Good morning. It's Saturday, Jan. 24. Welcome to this week's Society & Culture newsletter. First time reading? Sign up here or click here to share with friends. |
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Oscar nominations were announced this week, so we're diving into the Academy Awards' history to show how much has changed—and how much has stayed the same. Then, we're unpacking the fantasy genre, a once-maligned genre that's become a publishing sensation. Finally, we explore the world of sushi, including how it came to be such a hot commodity in 21st-century cuisine.
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—Kevin Kearney, 1440 Society & Culture Section Editor |
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And the Oscar Goes To ... |
A brief history of the Academy Awards
Often called the Oscars after the eponymous gold statue, the Academy Awards are an annual ceremony recognizing artistic and technical merit in the film industry. Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences vote for winners across a range of categories, including acting, cinematography, sound design, and more. (See how the voting process works.)
AMPAS was founded in 1927 by Louis B. Mayer, head of MGM Studios, as a way of managing labor disputes and the public image of the film industry.
More than 3,000 Oscars have been awarded overall. Walt Disney has taken home more than any other individual, with 26 wins, while "Ben-Hur," "Titanic," and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" are the most-awarded films with 11 Oscars apiece. (See a list of the most decorated winners.)
... Explore everything else we learned about the Academy Awards.
Also, check out ...
> Best picture is selected through ranked choice voting. (Watch)
> Juvenile Oscars were handed out from 1935 to 1961. (Read)
> The Oscars considered the use of computer-assisted special effects in 1982's "Tron" to be unfair. (Read)
> There are several theories behind the iconic statue's name. (Read) |
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An introduction to fantasy
Fantasy is a literary genre that embraces supernatural elements and often takes place in alternate universes that have their own languages, physics, lifeforms, and societies. Though the narratives are usually based on themes and archetypes from antiquity—with tales of good versus evil and heroes’ journeys—modern fantasy is generally considered to have begun in the 19th century. At the time, it was often deemed unserious literature for younger readers. (View a list of the genre's best books.)
The genre gained particular popularity in the 1950s with JRR Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” series, which introduced a new level of sophistication to the genre and, consequently, appealed to a more adult audience. The publishing industry, eager to capitalize on a commercial hit, began publishing more fantasy titles. This decision would cultivate an even larger audience that would continue reading later in life.
In the decades that followed, fantasy developed a passionate following. Although primarily a cult interest, several touchstones of popular culture—such as “Dungeons & Dragons,” “Harry Potter,” and “Game of Thrones”—have kept the genre in the public eye.
... Explore everything else we learned about fantasy.
Also, check out ...
> The Old English poem "Beowulf" is a foundational text for the genre. (Read)
> The genre wasn't called "fantasy" until the 20th century. (Read)
> "Dungeons & Dragons" attracted the ire of special interest groups during the "Satanic Panic." (Watch)
> A linguist breaks down the genre's fictional tongues. (Watch) |
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Sushi 101
Sushi, as it’s known today, is a Japanese dish invented in the early 19th century by Hanaya Yohei, who set fresh, raw fish on vinegared rice. Yohei based his invention on earlier culinary practices that dated back to the second or third century, when rice was often used to preserve fish for extended periods. While sushi traditionally consists of rice and raw fish, modern rolls typically include additional toppings, such as vegetables and cooked protein. (Watch a chef demonstrate how he makes a roll.)
Yohei’s quick-to-order model helped sushi become a popular dish in Japan in the 19th century. By the 20th century, it had become increasingly available worldwide, especially after Japan emerged as a significant economic power in the decades following World War II. As sushi restaurants opened in the US, chefs created Americanized items, such as the California and Philadelphia rolls, to appeal to less adventurous diners. (See a list of the best US sushi restaurants.)
Today, sushi is a popular cuisine worldwide. Over 17,000 sushi restaurants operate in the US alone, generating an estimated $33B in industry revenue.
... Explore everything else we learned about sushi.
Also, check out ...
> A Netflix documentary inspired an omakase sushi boom. (Read)
> Bluefin tuna, now used in high-end sushi, was once reserved for cat food. (Read)
> A popular 1980s TV series helped popularize Japanese culture in the US. (Read)
> Ukraine's sushi restaurants have remained open through the country's war with Russia. (Read) |
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Beyond our weekly deep dives, we love finding great takes on the culture currently shaping our lives. Here are some of the best reactions, profiles, and think pieces we encountered this week.
> Kerouac Dreams
County Highway | Jeff Weiss. The journalist takes a trip to St. Petersburg, Florida, and pays $250 to sleep in the house where Jack Kerouac spent his final, bitter days. With prose that recalls some of the Beat writer's finer moments, Weiss explores why, despite his many shortcomings, Kerouac remains a touchstone for adolescents. (Read)
> Music, AI, and the Stagnation of Popular Culture
Chronicles | Noel Yaxley. Yaxley is concerned by the decline of the traditional music group and the rise of the AI-generated pop star, which he argues are outcomes of the record industry’s shortsighted frugality. According to him, it’s not just about the music business—it’s a troubling sign for all of contemporary culture. (Read)
> Calling the Shots
Hoops HQ | Alex Squadron. Jason Benetti is a sports broadcaster with cerebral palsy who developed a passion for calling games after being confined to the sidelines. Squadron's piece traces those early days to the present, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how someone gets to the broadcast booth. (Read)
> The Cult of Karl Ove Knausgaard
Air Mail | Erin Somers. The Norwegian writer just released a new novel, "The School of Night," but Somers spends much of her time speaking with people who admire the writer's massive and ongoing "My Struggle" series. It's an interesting exploration of an increasingly rare breed: the literary celebrity. (Read)
> The Art of a Good Awards-Show Speech
NY Times | Kyle Buchanan. Awards season is now in full swing, so Buchanan distinguishes the acceptances that sing from the ones that flop. Although he's talking about celebrities, the breakdown acts as a good primer on public speaking we could all take to heart. (Read) |
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“Fantasy is silver and scarlet, indigo and azure, obsidian veined with gold and lapis lazuli. Reality is plywood and plastic, done up in mud brown and olive drab.” |
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