Awards shows will only get more important.

In the promotional commercial for the Golden Globes, the ultimate punchline delivered was: “if we play our cards right, this will be the last awards show.” Their point was facetious of course, they, Poehler and Fey, are among the finest in the hosting game. Very slightly edgy, but never misunderstood — the ultimate combination for a moderately reflexive moment. Awards allow for a group of writers, actors, or some other interested audience, to offer some kind feedback about what is good, and what is not as good. But what do awards shows really do, and why would we keep having them?