Let’s get real about the Oscars narrative surrounding Glen Hansard and his win for the 2007 film “Once.” While the mainstream media, like CNN and NBC, gushes over Hansard’s success story, let’s not forget the elephant in the room: they’re trying to paint a picture of an artsy underdog rising to fame. This is a classic case of ignoring the deeper issues at play, like the ever-widening gap between the Hollywood elite and the average Joe.

While they’re fluffing up the “low-budget” aspect, they conveniently overlook the fact that this charming narrative serves their agenda. The likes of ABC in their coverage aim for heartwarming feels, but they mask the reality that behind all that indie glamor, the music and film industries are still largely controlled by money, prestige, and big names. “Oh, let’s celebrate Hansard!” they shout while simultaneously ignoring the myriad of struggling artists who never see a dime.

Mainstream outlets gloss over the gritty truth: these awards are less about talent and more about political correctness and industry connections. This is why you’ll see the same faces collecting awards year after year while genuine talent remains in the shadows. They’re spinning a narrative that pats themselves on the back for “supporting art” while reinforcing a status quo that’s rigged. It’s time we called out these biases and demanded better for the artists who actually deserve recognition.