Amy Poehler has recently spoken out against the perceived bias against comedy films at the Academy Awards, describing the oversight as “hot bulls—t.” This topic was discussed on her podcast, Good Hang With Amy, where she conversed with celebrated British actress Olivia Coleman. Coleman’s current project alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, The Roses, is a comedy loosely based on Warren Adler’s novel The War of the Roses.
During the podcast episode, a spontaneous phone call to Cumberbatch inspired a conversation about comedy’s significant value in the film industry. Cumberbatch commented, “If you can do comedy, you can do anything,” a sentiment strongly supported by Poehler. The actress and comedian emphasized the challenges and skills required for comedy, asserting that the genre often goes unrecognized during awards season.
Poehler criticized the Academy’s tendency to overlook comedy in favor of more dramatic works. While acknowledging that some comedies like The Favourite, Barbie, and Everything Everywhere All At Once have received recognition, she noted that the genre still largely remains in the shadows in terms of accolades. The issue extends beyond comedy, as genres like horror face similar neglect at the Oscars. Notable performances often go unrewarded, as seen in Toni Collette’s acclaimed role in Hereditary and more recently, Amy Madigan’s lauded performance in Weapons.
As a respected voice in comedy, Poehler’s comments may spark conversations among Academy voters to expand their scope beyond drama and give comedy the recognition it deserves. Her insights shed light on the need for a more inclusive view of cinematic achievements across all genres.