If you're old enough to recall when TV was free, you'll probably remember your family gathering around the set to watch what we then called "The Academy Awards." The name "The Oscars" became popular later, a sign on the times for a culture that wants cheap, quick soundbites instead of prestigious (pretentious?) sounding formalities and their associated titles.
Dad or little sister fiddled with the bunny ears to get rid of any ghosting, white noise, or vertical image roll. And once the picture was right and bright, we all sat in anticipation for the entertainment ceremony of the year.
The good old days.
Nowadays it's almost a joke to mention the "Oscars." People are caring less and less and no wonder. We have so many new choices and wealthy, politically correct glamor queens and kingpins slapping themselves on the back (or sometimes in the face) just doesn't make for good TV.
Actually, as raw as it was, the 2022 slap on the face was about the only real and meaningful thing that's happened at the Academy Awards for a long time. If you'll recall, Will Smith walked onstage and slapped Chris Rock in response to an off-color joke Rock made about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Everyone remembers that. But do we remember anything else?
I don't.
I asked Google Gemini to sum up the current situation and it did a pretty good job. So rather than rewrite that and pretend it was all me, I'll just copy and paste here.
Q - How much and why have the Oscars declined in popularity, and how much and why do they still matter?
A - It's a complex issue with various contributing factors, so let's break it down:
Reasons for the Oscars' Decline in Popularity
- Changing Media Landscape:
- The rise of streaming services has significantly fragmented audiences. People have a vast array of entertainment options, reducing the appeal of a lengthy, live awards show.
- Social media provides instant access to highlights, diminishing the need to watch the entire broadcast.
- Shifting Cultural Relevance:
- The Academy has faced criticism regarding diversity and representation, leading to a perceived disconnect from broader audiences.
- The types of films that often win Oscars may not always align with the most popular, mainstream movies.
- General Decline in Award Show Viewership:
- This trend isn't exclusive to the Oscars; award show viewership across the board has been declining.
- Perception of Elitism:
- Some viewers perceive the Oscars as an out-of-touch, elitist event.
- Changes in Celebrity Culture:
- Increased access to celebrities through social media has diminished the mystique of seeing them on an awards show stage.
Why the Oscars Still Matter
- Industry Prestige:
- The Oscars remain the most prestigious awards in the film industry, and a win can significantly boost a film's and a filmmaker's career.
- Impact on Film Visibility:
- Nominations and wins can increase a film's visibility, particularly for independent or smaller-budget productions.
- Recognition of Artistic and Technical Merit:
- The Oscars celebrate excellence in various aspects of filmmaking, highlighting the artistry and craftsmanship involved.
- Cultural Influence:
- The Oscars still influence cultural conversations about film, with winning films often becoming part of the cultural lexicon.
- Historical Significance:
- The Oscars have a long and rich history, serving as a record of cinematic achievements.
In essence, while the Oscars' widespread cultural dominance has decreased due to evolving media consumption and cultural shifts, they retain significant value within the film industry as a symbol of excellence and a platform for recognizing artistic achievement.
Will you be watching? 😉
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