Green Book: Why it deserves Best Picture.

Since this is coming from the aftermath of the 91st Academy Awards, I thought I better clarify that "Green Book" does deserve the Best Picture Award. The awards season was tight in 2018, and that made the 91st Oscars incredibly unpredictable. "Green Book" was picking up Best Picture awards, so was "Black Panther" and "Bohemian Rhapsody."

I knew that before they announced a winner at the Oscars, it was going to start controversy all over. While "Black Panther" was critically received, audiences were not entirely head over heels with it. "Bohemian Rhapsody" on the other hand had critics upset and bewildered, while most audiences found great enjoyment with the film. Especially since Rami Malek embodied Freddie Mercury exceptionally well.

While films like "The Favourite," "Vice," "Roma," "A Star is Born" and "BlacKkKlansman" all were respectable films, they were not winning as many awards as "Black Panther," "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Green Book." I am not even surprised that "Green Book" took the top prize and let me explain why.

"Green Book" is a film about race relations and about friendship that overcame racism. It was a universally appealing story that most audiences cheered for when it first came out. As the film gained momentum into award season, it seemed that it was a harmless film that was made with heart from writer-director Peter Farrelly.

The lead performances are tremendous and the overall message the film portrays is extremely well done. Not to mention it is a easy-going film to watch due to its structure. When I saw this film, I had a packed theater and every seat was taken. And when the film finished, everyone talked about their experience and talked positively about it. In fact, I over heard one couple say how they wanted to bring their friends to "Green Book" because of how "great it was."

It is an audience pleasing film and there is nothing wrong in that.

Doesn't an individual want a film that is essentially meeting every psychological need when they see a film? Of course. One wants films to affect them, to make them feel something.

Other than "Black Panther," I thought the 91st Oscar nominees for Best Picture were truly earned. And why did "Green Book" take the top prize? Because everything I just stated and how connectable the film is.

I get that "Green Book" is receiving backlash and is currently being compared to "Crash" which I find to be disrespectful in its own manner. "Green Book" should not be compared to "Crash." "Green Book" was among the highest rated audience films of 2018. Most audiences are happy with this win.

Viggo Mortensen (left) and Mahershala Ali (right). Green Book. Universal Pictures.

I try to imagine what it would be like if say "Black Panther" would have won or even "Bohemian Rhapsody" considering all of the drama that was behind that film. I think if either one of those films would have won, there would be huge amounts of backlash regardless. The 91st Oscars were definitely intriguing due to that drama. No matter who would have won, there would have still been drama.

I guess if one is reading this and has mixed emotions about "Green Book" winning Best Picture, I think you should watch the film first before making a judgement. I have seen individuals post their fury over "Green Book" winning without even seeing the film. I think if one is going to judge, you have to experience it first.

If you saw and do not like "Green Book" that is fair play. That is the beauty of film. Not everyone loves or hates certain films. Even for me I can understand the appeal for "Black Panther" and why critics liked it so much. However, I saw the film and do not plan on watching it again because I thought it was too plain and generic.

Another year in the books and onto the next one. I think the Academy got it right for the 91st year. Hopefully moving forward the Oscars can still maintain high achievement in film, which I believe it will. I just think the public needs to understand that not every film is going to win. There is always a winner and every year its been the same thing. "They didn't deserve it." Say what you want, but I believe "Green Book" was one of the best films of 2018 and deserved to won the Best Picture.

Side Note: Another article I suggest looking at is from a good friend of mine, John. The article titled "Why People are Angry at Green Book's Oscar Win". An article that sees the other side of the spectrum for the 91st Oscars.