Tonight is Oscar night.

Honestly, ever since 1991, when Dances with Wolves won best picture over Goodfellas, I began to lose interest in the process. The following year Silence of the Lambs swept up with wins for all the top prizes only confirming the inkling that whole affair was fixed. Ever year since it has been disappointment after disappointment, with a few surprise wins here and there for what I would consider “good film.” (Which makes me increasingly wonder if I know what “good film” is.)

The Academy tends to honor careers, campaigning and box office performance, all of which come off more like industry back patting, rather than recognize the true art of filmmaking. The irony is that in a time when Hollywood is struggling to fill the multiplexes, they struggle to recognize and truly celebrate the new.

Long story short: I’m not expecting many surprises this year.