The upcoming 2020 Oscars will be held on Feb. 9 in the ever-dazzling Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. The Oscars have decided to go without a host, which is a transition from the previous celebrity-packed position that played a large role in the event.

The Oscars are a 3 1/2 hour event dedicated to celebrating the best achievements in film. Last year’s Oscars were watched by 29.6 million Americans. Experts predictthat the 2020 Oscars will have around 30 million viewers , roughly the same amount as last year’s Oscars.

The Oscars are divided into many different categories, but the main ones that garnerthe most attention from the audience are Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. Each of these categories rewards a nominee when they create a story thatis not only exceptional and unique, but also relevant and compelling to an audience.

Yet the Oscars have received criticism for the lack of diversity in nominees. Even when people of color are nominated, it seems forced and in attempt to ease the protests. For example, Cynthia Erivo, who played Harriet Tubman in “Harriet,” was the only person of color nominated for a best actor award. Many attribute this to the largely white critics that nominate films and actors for the Oscars.

While the Oscar award is a huge honor to the nominee, it is also important to theeveryday viewer. The stories told through film at the Oscars represent humanity, which is why it is important that the Oscars nominate films and actors that celebrate the collective diversity and struggles of the human experience.