The Academy Awards was created to honor excellence in film and acting. Since 1929 we’ve watched films from an array of genres awarded the prestigious “Best Picture” Oscar. This year the category is filled with talent but one thing is missing that almost makes the Academy look like a gang of uptight, grumpy, middle-aged critics.

Films like “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Garden State,” among many other independent films, were dismissed for any kind of Oscar recognition this year. These movies were made on low-budgets, written by unknown writers and directed by unknown directors but are brilliant in their own way. Impact, artistic imagery, and concept should also be a factor when selecting nominees; not who was the lead actor, who directed, and who is it about.
You can almost compare the Academy Awards to a dog show. Is it not unfair for two Labradors, two French poodles, and a Chihuahua to all compete in the final round?

Shouldn’t each breed have its chance at the gold instead of being dismissed because of the low-cost shampoo it uses or the hand-me down collar it wears?

Zach Braff made his directorial and writing debut with his creation, “Garden State.” This film follows the life of Andrew Largeman (Braff), an over-medicated man trying to escape his seemingly mundane life. One day he gets a call from his father (Ian Holm) with news that his paraplegic mother died and he must attend her funeral in New Jersey. While trying to make amends with his father Largeman has his encounters with two drugged gravediggers, a fast food knight, a bored inventor, and Sam (Natalie Portman), a seemingly fearless girl. Largeman discovers that life can seem a lot brighter if he can just “let go.”

Though not overlooked at the Grammy’s (winning best soundtrack) this brilliant movie was overlooked. Starting out in Sundance along-side “Napoleon Dynamite,” Braff shows true potential with his writing, character development, and director’s eye that is so clearly visible through out this film. Braff’s directorial, writing, and acting future looks bright with “Garden State” on his resume.

If the Academy can’t recognize the brilliance in some independent films by placing them in well-known categories like best leading actress, directing, or film of the year, then we need to start creating new categories. Recognition and praise are called for from this establishment for these kinds of films.