Are Award Shows Still About Talent or Just Networking? The Truth Bollywood Won’t Admit

Let’s be real for a second. Every time an award show happens, we all sit with the same questions: “Yeh kaise jeet gaya? “Isse better performance toh kisi aur ka tha.”And of course, the evergreen line “Awards toh bik chuke hain.” So today, let’s actually talk about it. Are award shows still about talent, or have they quietly turned into elite networking parties with trophies? Spoiler alert: it’s complicated.

The Old-Time Award Show Magic (Jo Ab Missing Lagta Hai)

There was a time when winning a Filmfare or National Award actually meant something.Actors cried on stage, parents were thanked, and careers genuinely changed overnight.

Back then:

• Fewer films, clearer competition

• Performances were discussed more than outfits

• Winning felt like validation, not PR

Now? The vibe feels… different.

Networking > Performance? Let’s Talk Facts

Today’s award ecosystem runs on:

• Production house power

• PR agencies

• Brand partnerships

• Channel politics

If you’re visible, connected, and safe for brands, your chances automatically increase.

Let’s be honest:

• Stars who attend every party win more

• Actors who skip social circles often get ignored

• Outsiders with raw talent still struggle for recognition

Talent matters, yes. But connections decide the final list.

The “Convenient Winners” Pattern

Ever noticed how:

• Big stars win for average performances

• Newcomers win “Best Debut” even when the debut wasn’t memorable

• Critics’ awards exist just to keep everyone quiet

It’s not coincidence. It’s strategy.

Award shows today are:

• TRP-driven

• Sponsor-friendly

• Image-controlled

Controversial or unpredictable winners? Risky business.

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Are Bollywood award shows biased towards big stars?

Yes, to a large extent. Big stars bring viewership, sponsorships, and media buzz, making them safer choices for award organizers.

Do outsiders have a fair chance at winning awards?

Outsiders do win, but usually after consistent visibility or critical acclaim. One powerful performance is often not enough without strong industry backing.

Are award shows decided before the event?

Many commercial awards are planned in advance based on PR strategies, channel interests, and star availability, rather than just jury votes.

Are National Awards more credible than Filmfare or IIFA?

Generally, yes. National Awards focus more on artistic merit, though they are not completely free from controversy either.