Elizabeth Banks has had an eventful few years in the entertainment industry. From directing the highly anticipated Charlie’s Angels reboot to starring in the critically acclaimed miniseries Mrs. America, Banks has established herself as a force to be reckoned with. However, her journey to the Oscars in 2023 is not without its dangers.
Banks has been a fixture in Hollywood for over two decades, and her talent both in front of and behind the camera is undeniable. She has proven she can direct successful blockbusters like Pitch Perfect 2 as well as critically acclaimed dramas like the aforementioned Mrs. America. With such a diverse range of skills, it’s no surprise that many are rooting for her to snag an Oscar in the upcoming years.
However, the road to Oscar glory is a treacherous one, and Banks has already faced some serious obstacles. In 2019, she directed and starred in the ill-fated Charlie’s Angels reboot, which was met with lukewarm reviews and underwhelming box office numbers. The film was a high-profile misstep for Banks, who had previously been praised for her success in the Pitch Perfect franchise.
The failure of Charlie’s Angels could have been a major setback for Banks, but she quickly bounced back with her role in Mrs. America. The Hulu miniseries, which tells the story of the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s, was a critical darling and landed Banks an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly. With that kind of buzz behind her, Banks seemed poised for Oscar success.
However, the Academy Awards are notoriously fickle, and even the most talented and well-regarded actors and filmmakers can fall short of the ultimate prize. Banks has already experienced some disappointment in this regard; she was snubbed for a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her work in Zack and Miri Make a Porno in 2009.
While the snub may have been frustrating for Banks, it likely won’t deter her from pursuing further Oscar recognition. After all, the promise of an Academy Award is a major draw for many in the film industry. Winning an Oscar can elevate an actor or filmmaker’s career to new heights, and it’s a major feather in any artist’s cap.
However, the race for an Oscar is not without its risks. Hollywood is a notoriously competitive and cutthroat industry, and the pressure to deliver a hit film or standout performance can be overwhelming. For Banks, the high-profile misstep of Charlie’s Angels shows that even the most talented and confident filmmakers can stumble.
Additionally, the Oscars themselves have faced increasing criticism in recent years. From the #OscarsSoWhite controversy to accusations of sexism and nepotism, the Academy Awards have come under scrutiny for their lack of diversity and questionable voting practices. Some actors and filmmakers have even boycotted the ceremony entirely, eschewing the potential glory of an Oscar in favor of making a statement about the industry’s flaws.
Of course, Banks’ personal journey to the Oscars is just one small piece of the larger puzzle. The Academy Awards themselves are a reflection of the film industry at large, and the troubles facing the Oscars mirror the larger issues facing Hollywood as a whole.
Despite these risks and challenges, however, it’s clear that Banks is not one to shy away from a challenge. Her continued success in the industry, even in the face of setbacks and disappointments, is a testament to her resilience and talent. Whether or not she ultimately takes home an Oscar in 2023, it’s clear that Banks will continue to make her mark on the entertainment world.