Why I Miss the Oscars and Why Some Don’t Watch Anymore

For many years, I eagerly anticipated the Oscars (or more formally, the Academy Awards) each year, looking forward to the excitement of the ceremony. However, over time, my enthusiasm for the event has waned, and I have found myself missing it. In this article, we will explore the reasons why some people have given up on the Oscars, and discuss how we can redefine our relationship with film recognition in the entertainment industry.

The Decline of My Interest

Back in the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, the Oscars held a special place in my heart. I would faithfully tune in to watch the ceremony, eagerly waiting to see the winners in various categories. I did know and recognize many of the people who received awards back then, and I enjoyed seeing films with stars I had grown up admiring, such as Paul Newman. However, as the years passed and I stopped going to the movies, my knowledge of current actors and actresses declined. Today, I hardly know, much less recognize most of the people nominated for awards.

One of the reasons I no longer watch the Oscars annually is the shift in focus from artistic merit to inclusiveness and equity. Recent years have seen the Academy prioritize social issues over purely artistic accomplishments, which has significantly altered the nature of the awards. While such efforts are well-intentioned, they often detract from the genuine quality of the films being recognized. This change has led me to only watch the “dead guy segment” of the ceremony, as it no longer aligns with my interests.

Another factor that has influenced my decision is the overall decline in the quality of the films I am watching. While I still love to revisit and appreciate older movies with stars like Paul Newman, the current generation of films often fail to capture my attention. This is a personal tragedy, as I believe there is still artistic brilliance being created, but it often goes unrecognized by the Academy.

Evolving My Approach to Film Appreciation

While I have stopped watching the Oscars, I still maintain a love for film recognition in other forms. In the past, I used to watch the Oscars annually. However, my disappointment in an historic moment—where Peter Sellers, who was nominated for best actor for his role in Being There, lost to Dustin Hoffman for his role in Kramer vs. Kramer—marked the beginning of my disengagement from the awards ceremony.

Since then, I have become cynical and disillusioned with the Oscars. Despite the nominations for the Lord of the Rings films, which were impactful, the ceremony no longer holds the same charm for me. This shift in sentiment has led me to seek other ways to engage with film recognition, such as through online sources that provide the results without the heavy marketing and ceremonial aspects.

For those who are unable to watch the live ceremony, the internet offers a more flexible and convenient alternative. By simply Googling the results, one can stay informed about who wins which awards, without the need to wake up early or suffer through repetitive telecasts. This approach allows viewers to focus on the content that truly matters to them, rather than being dictated to by the timing of the ceremony.

Absent the Oscars, I have found myself more content to watch other film events and recognition shows. The shift in my approach to film appreciation has led me to appreciate a more diverse array of films and performers. Whether it’s the surprise nomination of Austin Butler for his role in , or new films that catch my interest, I have found that there are plenty of ways to stay engaged with the world of cinema without relying on the Oscars.

Conclusion

The decline of my interest in the Oscars is a reflection of the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry. While the Oscars remain an important and influential event, they are no longer the sole guardian of film quality. As viewers, we now have the power to redefine our relationship with film recognition, seeking out events and opportunities that better align with our personal interests and values.

Do you still watch the Oscars? Have the changes in the Academy Awards affected your engagement with the event? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss how we can continue to support the arts in our own unique ways.