Films seen as Oscar bait often have distinct characteristics . Lavishly produced epic length period dramas , often set against tragic historical events such as The Holocaust or the American Slave Trade , are frequently seen this way and often contend for the technical Oscars such as cinematography , makeup and hairstyling , costume design or production design . Alternatively , if set in the present , the plot may center on a character with a physical or mental disability . The cast may well include actors with previous awards or nominations , a trait that may also be shared by the director or writer
The Holocaust
The Holocaust
Oscar bait