Structure of Requests in Award-Winning Films

Abstract

This study looks at the sentence structures and gender identities expressed in the requests made by male and female lead characters in critically acclaimed movies. Ten Best Picture winners from the Academy Awards between 2014 and 2023 had their demands examined using a descriptive qualitative study design and content analysis. Purposive sampling and a deductive coding scheme based on three sentence forms were used to examine the chosen films: imperative, declarative, and interrogative. Additionally taken into account were nonverbal cues such hand gestures, body language, eye contact, and facial expressions. A total of 309 requests were found, of which 218 (70.55%) were made by male characters and 91 (29.45%) by female characters. Declarative and interrogative requests were utilized less frequently than imperative demands. While the distribution of interrogative requests was relatively closer between male and female characters, imperative and declarative request patterns were more common among male characters. The results also show that request structures have a role in how gender identities are constructed in movies. In contrast to female characters, who were typically described as strong, relational, emotional, and introspective, male characters were frequently shown as authoritative, domineering, ambitious, and forceful. Overall, the study shows that both conversational situations and enduring cultural expectations surrounding gender roles are reflected in request-making in award-winning films. The results advance knowledge of gender communication, language etiquette, and how gender identities are portrayed in film discourse.