Why Taylor Swift Has Never Won an Oscar: Explanation of the Eras Tour’s Lack of Nominations

Taylor Swift stands as one of the most successful performers in modern music history. Therefore, it comes as somewhat of a surprise that the beloved singer did not receive an Oscar nomination for her acclaimed 2023 concert documentary, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. This documentary captures her mesmerizing performance during the titular concert at Los Angeles, showcasing not only her talent but also her monumental influence in the music industry. To date, the film has shattered box office records, amassing over $261 million globally (source: Box Office Mojo), establishing itself as the highest-grossing concert film of all time.

The Eras Tour commenced on March 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, featuring an impressive 149 shows spread across five continents. It wrapped up in Vancouver, British Columbia, on December 8, 2024. With total revenues exceeding $1 billion, the Eras Tour not only made history as the highest-grossing concert tour ever but also witnessed ticket sales reaching 10.1 million, solidifying its status as the second most-attended tour in history. Despite this immense popularity, many fans, affectionately known as “Swifties,”were unable to attend in person. However, they still connect with the essence of the tour through the documentary, even if it ultimately missed recognition by the Academy.

The Ineligibility of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar

Understanding the “Promotional Documentary”Classification

Taylor Swift performing on the Folklore Cabin

Taylor Swift performing on a raised platform

Close-up of Taylor Swift performing Karma

Taylor Swift with her dancers during a performance

Though documentaries seldom reach the pinnacle of box office success, the fall of 2023 saw a surge of enthusiasm for Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, leading to sold-out screenings. Given the overwhelming public interest, many anticipated a nomination for Best Documentary Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards. However, the revelation came when the nominations for the 96th Academy Awards were unveiled, revealing Swift’s absence from the shortlist.

But fear not, Swifties—this was not a case of being overlooked. The documentary was disqualified from consideration for the Best Documentary Feature award due to specific guidelines set forth by the Academy’s documentary branch. According to their rules, “Works that are essentially promotional or instructional are not eligible, nor are works that are unfiltered records of performances.”As a promotional film, The Eras Tour did not meet the eligibility criteria. Although it could have pursued other categories, documentaries seldom find recognition outside the Feature category.

The Reasons Behind Taylor Swift’s Absence from the 2024 Oscars

Engaged in the Singapore Leg of Her Tour

Despite the lack of a nomination, the Academy certainly hoped for Taylor Swift’s presence at the ceremony. Known for her high-profile attendance at major events, her absence at the 96th Academy Awards raised eyebrows, especially since she had participated in both the Golden Globes and Grammys that same awards season. The reasons, however, become clear upon consideration of several factors.

Unlike her participation in the Golden Globe Awards, where she became the subject of a meme due to her reaction to a poorly timed joke from the host, Jo Koy, Swift’s absence was largely justifiable. First, she wasn’t nominated for any awards, nor was she slated to present, which diminished the necessity of her attendance compared to her appearances at events where she was nominated, like the Globes and Grammys. More importantly, even though she didn’t perform on the day of the Oscars, she had just wrapped up a concert in Singapore the night before. Given that Singapore is an 18-hour flight from Los Angeles, attending the Academy Awards would be logistically impractical.

Interestingly, it’s worth noting that Swift has yet to make an official appearance at the Oscars. Although there was speculation regarding her presence in 2023, nothing was confirmed, though she did attend the Vanity Fair after-party with her then-boyfriend Joe Alwyn. Additionally, she made appearances at the event in 2011, 2014, and 2016.

It seems inevitable that Taylor Swift will eventually walk the prestigious Oscars red carpet. Even though her focus has shifted away from acting, she remains one of the most prolific figures in the music realm today. Her best chance at securing an Oscar would likely come in the Best Original Song category; a victory there would align her with fellow pop icons such as Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish.

Should Swift achieve this milestone, she would be three-quarters of the way to becoming an EGOT winner, having already clinched an Emmy and an impressive 14 Grammys. As for her plans regarding the 2025 Oscars, it’s uncertain, but her completed Eras Tour may increase the likelihood of her attendance. Regardless, one aspect remains clear—Swifties around the globe will be eagerly scanning the red carpet for any sign of their favorite artist.

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