The Decline of Oscar Attendance and Audience Engagement

It is no secret that the Academy Awards, or Oscars, have seen a significant drop in viewership over the past few years. This decline has reached a new low, with the audience nearly halving from 2020 to 2021. To better understand this dramatic shift, one can merely turn to the internet for answers – I myself had to search for this year's best movie. The question remains: why do these high-profile awards shows no longer captivate the audience as they once did?

Is the Oscars Dead?

As one user put it, the Oscars are no longer an entertaining event but more akin to a tedious obligation. Frances McDormand's historic win for both acting and producing in the film Nomadland did very little to alleviate the sentiment that the award ceremony has become a source of mediocrity. Nomadland, which won 3 Academy Awards and is acclaimed for its director-producer Chloé Zhao, was a welcomed break from the otherwise depressing evening. However, for many, this was not enough to overcome their disillusionment with the ceremony.

Reasons for the Decline

There are various factors contributing to the decline of Oscar attendance and audience engagement. The most obvious reason is the impact of the ongoing pandemic. Movie attendance was significantly lower in 2020 due to the worldwide health crisis, leading to a decreased number of new films being seen. The consistency of streaming services also played a role. For instance, movies like "Tenet" and "The Last Vermeer" faced significant delays in their release, with "Tenet" only becoming available after nearly a year and "The Last Vermeer" appearing on Blu-ray six months after its initial release.

Popularity of Nominees

Another crucial factor is the fact that many of the nominated films were not the most popular ones. When audiences do not see or care about a film, their interest naturally wanes. Although some of these films, such as "Parasite," were well-deserving of accolades, they may not have reached a wide audience. This reality exacerbates the disinterest in the awards, as the outcome does not reflect the general public's preferences.

Streaming Services and Awards

The influence of streaming services is also evident. Films produced by streaming platforms like Netflix were more likely to be nominated and win awards, which may alienate traditional film lovers. The same applies to actors; while performances are undoubtedly worth recognition, the fact that they already have multiple awards does not make their win any less disappointing to some viewers. For example, Anthony Hopkins' win for Best Actor and Frances McDormand's multi-film, multi-awards win were not as thrilling as hoped.

Time Engagement and Fun Factor

For many, the Oscars have become too serious and less entertaining. People do not feel like they are being rewarded or celebrated; instead, they perceive it as a necessity or a chore. In contrast, other forms of entertainment like rewatching favorite shows like "Law and Order: SVU" become a more enjoyable alternative for many.

Conclusion

The decline in Oscar attendance and audience interest is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors, including the pandemic, lack of popular nominees, and the dominance of streaming services. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how the Academy Awards adapt to stay relevant and engaging. For now, it seems that the event has lost its 'fun' factor, and viewers are seeking alternatives for entertainment and celebration.