Oscar Winners Offer Up Career Inspiration
[The] Academy Awards ceremony wasn’t just about seeing George Clooney and other hot stars, but it had teachable moments that went past the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and spotlighted people breaking barriers in their career fields.
Kathryn Bigelow’s win in the best director category, for “The Hurt Locker” (also the best picture winner), made her the first woman director to win an Academy Award in the 82-years the Oscars have been awarded. As Barbra Streisand said before announcing her name: “The time has come.”
She could have easily thought that directing has been a man’s world so she shouldn’t pursue that career field. But we love that her win shows that if you don’t fit the stereotype of a career, you can still succeed.
Bigelow told reporters: “I’m very grateful if I can inspire some young, intrepid, tenacious male or female filmmaker and have them feel that the impossible is possible, and never give up on your dream.”
And Mo’Nique, who typically has been seen in comedic roles, wasn’t scared to take on the dramatic role of an abusive mom in “Precious,” which ended up winning her the Oscar for best supporting actress. In fact, all the acting prizes were given to first-time winners, which is inspiring to see.
Think about how these examples could apply to your career choice. Maybe you don’t think you have the look of a fashion designer or someone in the animation field. Or maybe you’re looking at an industry where genders or minorities have typically not been leaders.
As composer Michael Giacchino, whose original score for “Up” won the Oscar in that category, said in his speech: “If you want to be creative, get out there and do it. It’s not a waste of time. Do it.”
To get started in a new field — no matter how unconventional it may seem — you’ll feel more confident once you develop your talents. Start researching educational programs near you.
Article by, Lori Johnston and courtesy of CollegeSurfing Insider.
