As the new year dawns, it’s a time for reflection and renewal, not just for individuals but for institutions. Hollywood, with its immense influence on global culture, is certainly no exception. Instead of empty promises, the film industry needs concrete commitments for meaningful change. Esteemed Boston Globe film critic Odie Henderson has penned a provocative list of New Year’s resolutions for Hollywood in 2026, offering a candid critique of current practices and a roadmap for a more vibrant, equitable, and financially sound future. His insights highlight critical areas where studios and filmmakers must evolve to reconnect with audiences and ensure lasting impact.
The Biopic Backlash: Why Audiences Are Saying “Cut!”
One of Henderson’s most pointed critiques targets the relentless churn of biopics. While often seen as prestige projects, especially for actors eyeing awards, their financial performance tells a different story. 2025 proved particularly challenging for the genre, with many biopics struggling to break even. For instance, “The Smashing Machine,” despite its perceived quality, only managed $21 million against a $50 million budget. Similarly, “Christy” barely scraped together $2 million, while “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” faltered with $45 million on a $55 million investment. Even “A Complete Unknown,” a 2024 Bob Dylan biopic, only just recouped its costs, despite multiple Oscar nominations.
This trend suggests a clear audience fatigue. What was once a compelling format has, for many, become a predictable vehicle for awards campaigns, often at the expense of genuine storytelling or financial viability. Hollywood needs to reassess its fascination with the biopic, perhaps focusing on unique narratives or exploring alternative storytelling approaches rather than relying on a genre that consistently underperforms.
Shifting Focus: Beyond Oscar Bait
The allure of an Oscar often overshadows the practical realities of film production and distribution. Studios invest heavily in biopics, hoping for critical acclaim and awards buzz, only to see them languish at the box office. This unsustainable model diverts resources from original projects and innovative storytelling that might genuinely resonate with diverse audiences. Moving forward, a resolution to prioritize engaging narratives over perceived awards potential could revitalize the industry’s creative output and financial health.
Unmasking Oscar Season Category Fraud
The integrity of awards season is another area ripe for reform, particularly concerning “category fraud.” This contentious practice sees studios strategically campaign lead or co-lead actors in “supporting” categories to boost their chances of winning. Henderson cites the “Wicked” films as a prime example: for both the first film and its sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” Cynthia Erivo was campaigned as a lead actress, while Ariana Grande, despite an equally central role, was pushed for a supporting nomination. This mirrors the Tonys’ recognition of both roles as leads on Broadway.
Another notable instance was Zoe Saldaña’s win for “Emilia Pérez,” where her performance, arguably a lead, was successfully campaigned as supporting. While these tactics can secure individual accolades, they fundamentally undermine the spirit of the awards, diminishing opportunities for genuinely supporting actors and distorting the competitive landscape. Hollywood’s resolution here should be to foster transparency and uphold the true definitions of lead and supporting roles, respecting the artistry of all performers.
Elevating the Fan Experience: Beyond Basic Popcorn Buckets
Audience engagement extends beyond the silver screen, reaching into the realm of merchandise. Henderson critically observes the decline in quality of movie tie-in swag, particularly the ubiquity of overpriced, flimsy popcorn buckets. He contrasts these with the often superior quality of “free tech swag,” suggesting a missed opportunity for studios.
Investing in genuinely high-quality, desirable merchandise could significantly enhance the fan experience and create a tangible connection to beloved franchises. When fans pay premium prices, they expect premium products. Better popcorn bucket swag, or indeed any merchandise, isn’t just about selling more items; it’s about valuing the audience and fostering a deeper sense of loyalty and excitement around film releases. This commitment to quality could transform a mundane transaction into a cherished part of the moviegoing experience.
The Short Shelf-Life: Keeping Films in Theaters Longer
A prevalent frustration among moviegoers and critics alike is the increasingly fleeting presence of films in theaters. Many deserving films, even those performing well, are pulled after just two or three weeks, rapidly shunted to streaming or Video-On-Demand platforms. This practice, often driven by pre-ordained release schedules and the strategies of streaming-first studios like Netflix, Apple Original Films, and Amazon MGM Studios, leaves money on the table and deprives audiences of the communal cinema experience.
Henderson notes that five of his top ten films of 2025 suffered from these abbreviated theatrical runs. He harks back to the success of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” which gradually built an audience over time to become a massive hit, a feat virtually impossible in today’s rapid-release environment. The continued success of re-released films like Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and “Weapons,” despite their availability at home, underscores a clear demand for big-screen viewing. Studios need to resolve to re-evaluate their distribution strategies, allowing films the time they need to find their audience in cinemas.
Learning from Legacy: The Enduring Power of Theatrical Runs
Reflecting on filmmaking legends like Rob Reiner, whose incredible run of seven consecutive classics from “This Is Spinal Tap” to “A Few Good Men” spanned diverse genres and built lasting legacies, highlights a different era of film distribution. These films, including beloved titles like “Stand by Me” and “The Princess Bride,” thrived on audience word-of-mouth and sustained theatrical presence. Today’s hurried approach risks sacrificing long-term cultural impact for short-term streaming metrics. A resolution to extend theatrical windows would not only boost box office potential but also honor the art of filmmaking by allowing cinematic experiences to truly flourish.
Challenging Biases: Celebrating Diverse Cinema Success
Perhaps Henderson’s most impassioned plea is for Hollywood to “stop acting surprised when a movie starring Black people is a hit.” This repeated expression of “surprise” by industry prognosticators and media outlets is both “harmful, insulting, and tiring,” stemming from a false premise that such films won’t succeed internationally. The evidence overwhelmingly contradicts this bias.
Recent successes like the Keke Palmer-SZA comedy “One of Them Days” and Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” demonstrate powerful market appeal. Despite Coogler’s stellar track record (e.g., “Black Panther” grossing $1.4 billion) and “Sinners” achieving an impressive $63 million opening weekend for an R-rated original horror film (even unseating “A Minecraft Movie”), some prominent media outlets still questioned its profitability. Such incorrect assumptions perpetuate systemic biases, leading to fewer diverse films being produced and limiting opportunities for talented filmmakers and actors of color. Hollywood must resolve to dismantle these outdated assumptions, genuinely celebrate diverse successes, and actively champion inclusive storytelling as a pathway to universal appeal and robust financial returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some key financial challenges Hollywood faces with certain film genres?
Hollywood often struggles financially with genres like biopics, which, despite being viewed as “Oscar bait,” frequently underperform at the box office. For instance, in 2025, films like “The Smashing Machine” and “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” failed to recoup their production budgets, indicating that audience interest might be waning, and the genre has become an expensive vehicle for awards campaigns rather than a reliable profit generator.
How are studios attempting to influence Oscar nominations, and why is it controversial?
Studios engage in “category fraud” by campaigning lead or co-lead actors in supporting categories to increase their chances of winning an Oscar. This tactic, exemplified by Ariana Grande being campaigned as supporting in “Wicked” despite a lead role, is controversial because it can unfairly distort the competition, disenfranchise truly supporting performers, and undermine the perceived integrity of the awards system by blurring the lines between lead and supporting roles.
What impact do short theatrical runs have on audience experience and film profitability?
Short theatrical runs, often lasting only two to three weeks before films are moved to streaming, negatively impact both audience experience and film profitability. Audiences lose the opportunity to see films on the big screen, leading to frustration, while studios miss out on potential revenue from films that could build an audience over time. This trend, driven by streaming-first strategies, contrasts with historical successes like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” which thrived on extended cinema exposure.
Embracing a Brighter Future for Film
Odie Henderson’s pointed resolutions for Hollywood in 2026 serve as a vital call to action. From re-evaluating the commercial viability of genres like biopics to fostering genuine diversity, from enhancing the fan experience through quality merchandise to ensuring films have a proper theatrical life, and importantly, recognizing success without bias – these are not minor adjustments but fundamental shifts. The lessons from filmmaking’s rich history, exemplified by versatile directors like Rob Reiner whose classics captivated audiences for decades, remind us of what’s possible when quality, authenticity, and audience connection are prioritized. By embracing these resolutions, Hollywood has the opportunity to not only fortify its financial future but also to deepen its cultural impact, creating genuinely valuable and engaging experiences for moviegoers worldwide. The time for self-reflection is now, and the commitment to change must be real.
