From the beginning of Hollywood’s inception, it was common knowledge that one with connections in the industry would definitely have an easier time snapping up jobs. However, as the years passed by, it seems as though talent has become stagnant, with incredibly mediocre actors being chosen in favor of those newer to the industry. This stems from the fact that such individuals have parents or acquaintances that vouched for their selection, leading to vaguely familiar names to show everywhere, as well as blocking potential talents from being exposed to the general public. The concept of Hollywood’s nepotism should be taken with great solemnity, as its effects will only become more apparent in the coming years.
A primary flaw of the nepo babies lies in their unethicality. The media industry as a whole retains a duty to remain impartial towards the selection of promising actors, but by casting people on the sole basis of their family name, they risk breaking the American code of basic, individual equality. The preferential treatment towards such “nepos” also violates the core standards of creativity within the film industry itself, as film was invented to be shared as a cohesive, encompassing form of art. Art is not expressed exclusively by those with connections, nor is it meant to be restrictive. By breaking ethical codes surrounding nepotism, the creativity of potential new names are squashed in the perceived security of familiar names.
Another issue pertaining to nepotism is the fact that talented new names are rejected in favor of actors with common connections. Such a concept can be prominently seen in the casting of the actress Maya Hawke in the animated film, “Inside Out 2.” While hundreds of voice actresses auditioned for the role of Anxiety, Hawke was chosen due to the popularity surrounding her role in “Stranger Things,” as well as the fact that her parents were prominent stars (Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, respectively). However, compared to the actual voice actors in the film, such as Liza Lapira or Phyllis Smith, Hawke’s voice was painfully plain, lacking the passion and energy needed to play the role of Anxiety. Her one-dimensional portrayal led to feelings of mediocrity as the film progressed, making for an unsatisfying watch. Such a selection can be seen as clear proof of the negative effects of nepotism, as film increasingly loses its sparkling originality.
The very fact that actors with family connections are preferred also contributes to the growing divide between the rich and the poor. Actors already established in the industry have both the funds and the influence to persuade directors to hire their own children, thus barring those from less affluent households from having a true chance to be selected. As the years progress, the film industry as a whole may be reserved simply for those from comfortable backgrounds, preventing diversity as well as true creativity in the field as like-minded individuals from similar backgrounds will be unable to relate to the general public. This goes back to the idea that the art of film will be painfully stagnated, as hardship often espouses true imagination; the casting of privileged nepo babies will only make for bland, mediocre cinema.
However, whilst unethical at its core, nepotism can be viewed as a simple act of familial guidance into a working industry. It is not inherently wrong for parents to wish their children to succeed in similar fields, often investing great funds into their offspring’s education and acting skills, all in the hopes of their families being successful and satisfied. Nevertheless, whilst not evil in theory, the over-saturation of the children of prominent actors being chosen over newer names creates a sense of inequality, as well as the idea of hiring on the basis of name over actual talent.
Nepotism is prevalent in many areas of life, and Hollywood is not exempt from it. Whether it be hiring mediocre actors for their name value, or simply breaking the ethics of hiring due to familial connections over apparent talent, the media industry will only continue to suffer if Hollywood continues to prefer bland nepo babies over promising new names. The industry itself should reconsider their choices whenever making a casting decision, and shouldn’t ask for whether a potential actor has “connections” as doing so would only further separate the media from true reality.
