Are there any, shall we say, larger societal meanings behind what movies snap up Oscar nominations? You know there had to be: “To some, Oscar night – and the movies it celebrates – has become a Rorschach test for a self-absorbed industry out of touch with mainstream tastes. Other culture watchers, though, insist that the cinematic tribute reflects, and even guides, America’s collective direction and values. As that debate rages on, at least one larger trend is evident in nominations of recent years, including this one: From biopics to message films, audiences and creators alike seem to be drawn to “reality”-based movies – both in content and technique.”