2019: The Year Movies Died

The magic of the movies has all but disappeared and it’s unlikely to be hiding in a black top hat or even behind the couch. It’s Hollywood awards season, which means studios have saved up their very best for the nine-week period between Boxing Day and end of February. The most likely contenders for Oscars, BAFTAs, Golden Globes (and various other miniature statuettes) are being released right now. And you know what? Folks still aren’t headed to the movies.

The modern cinematic landscape is dominated by sequels, prequels, remakes and reboots. Even during this brief annual window where the winning of awards outstrips box office sales as the key motivator for production companies, recycled concepts are still reaping rewards. A Star Is Born and Mary Poppins Returns, both inspired by earlier beloved on-screen stories, are tipped as Best Picture contenders for the Oscars. Cartoon sequels Incredibles II and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse will likely take out the awards for animation.