Roger Ebert Was So Angered By This Documentary's Oscars Snub, He Kickstarted an Awards Revolution

Roger Ebert was outraged that Hoop Dreams was snubbed by the Oscars, leading to the nominating committee being overhauled.

January 29, 2025 · 1 min · 62 words · Jessica Gomez

Steve James iconic, genre-defining documentaryHoop Dreamsearned great acclaim upon its release in 1994.

We’re still waiting for that stunt category to be added.

The Academy also changed its screening process for documentaries.

Film critic Roger Ebert holding an Academy Award and holding a card that says Vote.

Image by Nimesh Niyomal

The Academy wisely did away with this disrespectful rule.

But,the changes it spurred within the Academy did have a significant impact.

A hand holds an Academy Award against a red backdrop.

Custom Image by Federico Napoli

Two Oscars Statuettes against a bright pink and yellow background

Hoop Dreams 1994 Movie Poster

Hoop Dreams