And the Award Goes to… HR!
What This Year’s Oscars and BAFTAs Teach Us About Running a Winning Production
Written by Tacita Small
Awards season has wrapped up, leaving us with unforgettable speeches, surprise wins, and enough behind-the-scenes drama to inspire a whole new film. But beyond the glitz and glamour, this year’s winners give us some serious lessons about the real MVPs of any production—the people behind the scenes. And that’s where HR comes in. Let’s dive into what this year’s biggest films can teach us about keeping a production running smoothly.
Anora – Recognising and Rewarding Talent
Sean Baker’s Anora cleaned up at the Oscars, taking home Best Picture, Best Director, and a few other shiny statues. The film’s success reminds us that recognising talent is crucial—whether in front of the camera or behind it. In HR, making sure people feel valued and appreciated isn’t just a nice extra—it’s key to keeping morale high and work at its best. A solid recognition programme (or, you know, just saying "great job") can go a long way in keeping a team motivated.
The Brutalist – Embracing Change and Innovation
The Brutalist, with its wins at the BAFTAs—including Best Director for Brady Corbet and Best Actor for Adrien Brody—celebrates bold artistic vision and pushing boundaries. In HR, it’s the same deal. The industry is always evolving, and productions need to adapt. Whether it’s new hiring strategies, flexible working conditions, or using tech to make life easier on set, being open to change keeps everything running smoothly.
Emilia Pérez – Championing Diversity and Inclusion
With Zoe Saldaña taking home Best Supporting Actress at both the Oscars and BAFTAs, Emilia Pérez is a reminder that stories—and workplaces—are stronger when they’re diverse. The best productions are built on collaboration, fresh perspectives, and making sure everyone feels like they belong. HR plays a big role in creating a culture where different voices are heard, hiring practices are fair, and everyone feels valued. Because the best stories come from a mix of experiences.
Conclave – Ethical Leadership and Decision-Making
Conclave dominated at the BAFTAs, winning Best Picture and Outstanding British Film. With its themes of leadership and big decision-making, it’s a solid reminder that strong leadership shapes any production (or company). HR helps keep things fair, ethical, and drama-free—whether it’s setting clear policies, resolving conflicts, or just making sure things run smoothly behind the scenes.
Wicked – Keeping Teams Engaged and Inspired
The much-anticipated Wicked took home awards for Costume and Production Design at the Oscars, proving that a little bit of magic (and a lot of hard work) makes all the difference. The same applies to HR—when the crew are engaged and feel part of something exciting, they bring their best work. Whether it’s team-building, career growth opportunities, or just making sure people feel appreciated, HR helps keep the magic alive in any workplace.
HR: The Unsung Hero of Every Production
While actors, directors, and producers get the spotlight, I firmly believe that having HR on a production, for all of the crew, can be the behind-the-scenes hero that keeps everything moving. Whether making sure teams are supported or keeping things fair and compliant; good HR can make the difference between a smooth shoot and a production nightmare.
At The Small HR Company, we know the unique challenges the film industry face and provide expert HR solutions that keep productions on track.
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