“‘Reagan’ Biopic Triumphs at Will Rogers Awards, Overlooks Oscars”

The biopic “Reagan,” which chronicles the life of the 40th president of the United States, has received the accolade of Best Western Film–Drama at the Will Rogers Medallion Award Ceremony. This recognition comes after the film was notably excluded from consideration for the Best Picture Oscar by the Academy of Motion Pictures due to its failure to meet diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards.

Producer Mark Joseph expressed gratitude for the award, stating, “We are deeply honored by this recognition from the Will Rogers Medallion Awards. To be celebrated in this way is a meaningful affirmation of our cast, crew, and the enduring resonance of Reagan’s legacy in American culture and especially the West.”

Celebrating Western Heritage

The Will Rogers Medallion Awards highlight excellence in fields such as literature, film, and songwriting that reflect the cultural heritage of the American West. The ceremony took place in Claremore, Oklahoma, and its surrounding areas, including Tulsa.

Despite its popularity with audiences, “Reagan” did not qualify for the prestigious Best Picture Oscar. The film received high marks from moviegoers, scoring an impressive 98 on Rotten Tomatoes, while critics were less favorable, giving it a mere 18. This disparity has created the largest gap in history between audience ratings and critic reviews for a film.

A Mixed Reception

The film, directed by Sean McNamara and starring Dennis Quaid as President Ronald Reagan, presents a narrative that spans Reagan’s journey from a Midwestern farm boy to a Hollywood actor, and ultimately to his presidency. Alongside Quaid, the cast includes notable actors such as Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight, Kevin Dillon, and Mena Suvari.

While “Reagan” was named one of the best films of 2024 by both Movieguide and the Dove Awards, it also received nominations for the Razzies and garnered attention from the Internet Film Criticism Society as one of the year’s worst films.

The film’s title references President Reagan’s nickname, “the Gipper,” derived from his portrayal of the gravely ill football player George Gipp in the 1940 classic “Knute Rockne, All American.” This role became iconic, particularly for the line delivered by Gipp: “Win just one for the Gipper,” a call to action that resonates in American sports culture.

As the awards season continues, “Reagan” stands out for its polarizing reception and the impact of its narrative on American culture, especially within the context of the values celebrated by the Will Rogers Medallion Awards.