The 98th Academy Awards (2026): A Chinese Perspective Analysis

A Growing Disinterest

The Winners and Chinese Reactions

"One Battle After Another" (一战再战) — The Evening's Dominator

Douban Rating: A Misunderstood Masterpiece?

• Douban Score: 8.1/10 — Considered a masterpiece by many Chinese critics, but with a clear generational divide
• Criticism of political messaging: The film, which addresses themes of far-right/left politics, white supremacy, and identity politics through black comedy, was described as "a mirror of divided American society". However, many ordinary Chinese viewers found it "confusing and embarrassing" (一头雾水和尴尬)
• The problem with "politics-speak": One critic noted that the film uses yellow as a political metaphor to mock both liberal and conservative ideologies, but this dark humor "is interesting for those who understand Hollywood cinema, but makes you regret bringing children to see it" for the general public
• Intellectual debate: Among Chinese cinephiles, the film generated in-depth discussions. Writer Jiang Fangzhou appreciated its critique of the "left paralyzed in time" and the inefficiency of political movements, while others criticized the "rushed and messy" ending (匆匆忙忙，连滚带爬)

"Sinners" (罪人) — Record Nominations, "Flop" in Wins

"The Unstoppable Now" (至尊马蒂) — The "Sweet Tea" Disaster

• Impact on the Chinese market: The film had a China release date set for March 20, 2026, with a marketing strategy based on winning expectations. After winning zero awards, box office projections crashed from 200-300 million yuan to 50-100 million (a 50%+ drop)
• The "Sweet Tea becomes Bitter Tea" meme: The image of Chalamet forcing a smile during the ceremony went viral, with the wordplay between "甜茶" (Sweet Tea) and "苦茶" (Bitter Tea)
• Chalamet's "gaffes": Host Conan O'Brien mocked his previous ballet statements: "Security has been tightened tonight, for fear that the ballet community might launch an attack"

The "K-POP: Demon Hunters" Case — The Victory That Split Chinese Audiences

Netflix Animation's Surprise

Contrasting Reactions in China

The "Muted Microphone" and Double Standard Accusations

• The team of 6 creators (of Korean descent) was giving thanks when background music started playing after only 40 seconds
• The third speaker, Yu Han Lee, was abruptly cut off while about to read the thank-you list, with the camera switching to distant shots and the audience forced to leave during the commercial break
• The damning comparison: The previous year, Adrien Brody spoke for 5 minutes and 36 seconds (a record); this year, Amy Madigan spoke for nearly 3 minutes. The "Golden" team was interrupted after less than a minute

Stage Design: "It Looks Like a Chinese Restaurant"

• Many international viewers (including Chinese) compared the set design to the American Asian-fusion restaurant chain PF Chang's
• Social media comments: "It looks like the decoration of an Asian restaurant xddd"
• Others called the design "ugly" or compared it to a "sushi restaurant"

Chinese Cinema and the Oscars: Absence and Reflections

The Absence of Chinese Candidates

• "Nezha 2" (哪吒2) — The film that grossed over 15 billion yuan in China voluntarily withdrew from participation. The production company stated: "Audience recognition is the highest honor"
• "The Legend of Hei 2" (罗小黑战记2) — Although on the preliminary list, it received no nominations

The Debate: "Are the Oscars Necessary?"

"The K-POP success at the Oscars provides an answer: Korean cinema and music conquered the world following the path of cultural export first, awards recognition after. Korean pop culture spent decades building a solid foundation... When a work like 'K-POP: Demon Hunters' appears, it's time to harvest the fruits in abundance."

Trends and Chinese Media Observations

1. The "Fading Hollywood Magic"

• Aesthetic fracture: Awarded films are increasingly "political niche" rather than mass entertainment
• Impossible marketing: Films like "One Battle After Another" are difficult to promote in China because they require deep knowledge of American politics
• Lack of "emotional connection points": Unlike "Anatomy of a Fall" (2024), which found a Chinese audience through gender themes, the 2026 films lack "resonance points" with local audiences

2. Politicization as Defensive Strategy

"The 2020s Oscars seem to privilege an approach of 'being seen' rather than 'solving'. Giving voice to certain groups through emotional narratives, but often stopping at 'being seen', not at 'being solved'"

3. The Success of "Niche Cinema"

• The Norwegian film "Sentimental Value" (情感价值) — winner of Best International Feature — was quickly acquired for Chinese distribution by Jia Zhangke's company, with a release scheduled for late March
• The Brazilian film "I'm Still Here" (密探) announced its China release for March 27, leveraging Oscar visibility

A Cultural Bridge Under Reconstruction

1. Growing disinterest: The Chinese public has moved from being a "spectator from the shore" (隔岸观火) to no longer even being interested in "watching the excitement" (看热闹)
2. Critique of "selective political correctness": The "muted microphone" incident reinforced the perception of racial double standards at the Academy
3. Strategic reconsideration: Chinese film professionals are beginning to see the Oscars not as a goal to achieve, but as "an opportunity to buy at the bottom" (抄底) to understand trends and market niches
4. The K-POP lesson: Korean success is interpreted as proof that the path to international recognition passes through building a global pop culture before participating in awards