(Human sacrifice was a tradition among ancient Americans. We see how well that worked out.)

# 3. Satisfying the Ego. This one, I happen to agree with, but not as the primary reason.

Look, if you're not an artist, you may not understand this one. Artists, especially entertainers, more especially actors, are the most neurotic group of people you will ever meet. We need constant reassurance that we're doing a great job and that we're important or we become nervous, slightly unstable and unsure of ourselves.

The only way we know we're doing a good job, is if we're told we're doing a good job and if no one tells us we're doing a good job then we begin to wonder if we're doing a good job and spiral into an abyss of self-doubt.

I know, it's a mental disease. Why do you think it requires so many takes to shoot one scene? Technical issues aside, it's not because Ben Stiller is making everyone laugh, it's because both the director and actors (generally speaking of course) don't trust their artistic instincts and keep trying to get the "perfect shot."

All the while it's the producer banging his/her head against the wall watching money going down the drain with each take.

(More on this in a future article.)

# 2. Recognizing accomplishments in one's craft. Okay, that's fair, but how many ceremonies do you need for that? You don't see a slew of big guys in tuxes showing up on a red carpet for the Steel Workers Union awards, do you?

Recognizing achievement is good for any Industry, but it doesn't answer the question as to why the Entertainment Industry seems to go overboard.

So... the #1 reason why we have grandiose award ceremonies, regardless whether or not anyone cares, is...

**MARKETING**

Think about it, doesn't it add reassurance to your decision to see a movie if you hear the deep voiced announcer say, "Starring Academy Award Winner So-and-so, Academy Award winner such-and-such, by Oscar winning director What's-his-butt, with music by Grammy award winning composer What's-her-face." Don't you feel more confident that it will be a better movie?

Even if the plot seems a little silly, you'll still think, "Hmmmm, I bet that'll be pretty good."

If the movie employs Nominated performers, you'll see that plastered all over the advertising in Gold letters!

Why?

Because it makes you feel "safe" about seeing that movie. It's the film industry's version of a product guarantee.

If you were presented with two dramas you have never heard of before, A and B, each with the same budget, same script, same title, Movie A features Award winning and nominated actors, directors and composers and Movie B is cast with a fair mix of B-listers and nobody's, which do you open your wallet or purse for? Hmmmm?

Marketing!

Studios and retailers want your money and they know that when it comes to spending money on a movie, you, the customer, are going to put your green down on "Award winning" artists to deliver a better film almost every time, even though logically you understand that Movie B could be just as good, or maybe better.

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