How often do you watch The Academy Awards? According to Variety, the “2023 Oscars attracted an average audience of 18.8 million viewers.” That is just about five and a half percent of the United States Population, one in eighteen Americans. Compare that to the Super Bowl, in which Nielsen said, “An estimated 113.06 million viewers were tuned in for Super Bowl LVII.” That is thirty-three percent of the United States population, or one in three Americans.
Now, why do these numbers matter? Very often, when nominations come out for the selected movies, actors, and actresses to have a chance to win an Oscar (the award given out at the Academy Awards), there is always some drama. In the past, you have had movies like Singin’ in the Rain, Citizen Kane, and Goodfellas. Actors like Judy Garland and Peter O’Toole and Directors John Hughes, Spike Lee, and Stanley Kubrick have either been only nominated or never won an Oscar. This caused fans and even people in the film industry to recoil at the academy’s decision and question their relevance in the blockbuster age of films. Check out this clip show with scenes from movies and directors that have been snubbed in the past.
Dan Watanabe is a former television executive who has worked for big companies like Fremantle (American Idol, Baywatch, Price is Right) and Scotty Brothers Entertainment. Dan is now teaching at the college level, imparting his experience and knowledge to the next generation of filmmakers. When asked how Dan felt about the award show, he said, “They play a crucial role in not only recognizing excellence but also in influencing film trends, box office successes, and global cinema culture.” He added, “ However, it’s important to recognize the criticism and controversies that have surrounded the awards over the years, including issues of diversity and inclusion, the voting process, and the relevance of the awards in changing times.”
This year is no different. When the Academy Awards released the list of nominees, and missing from that list were director Greta Gerwig and lead actor Margot Robbie from the movie Barbie, the movie’s fans were shocked by their absence in the respective categories. Greta Gerwig did receive a nomination in the writing (adapted screenplay) category for Barbie. Sean Miller, a current Hollywood producer, commented on the lead actress and director snub by saying, “Even though Barbie did not get the top nominations, the movie still got seven other nominations.” Sean brings us a valid point: the film was still seen in other categories because it did not receive the top awards.
Dan had this to say on the Academy Awards snubs in the past: “These oversights—where deserving performances or films are not nominated or do not win—highlight the subjective nature of the awards and the complexities of the voting process.” This is something audiences need to remember when watching the awards shows. When commenting directly on the Barbie sunb, Dan said, “Snubs often lead to important conversations about the industry’s standards, the need for broader representation, and the evolving landscape of cinema. They can highlight emerging trends or overlooked genres and talents, pushing for a more inclusive and representative recognition in future ceremonies.”
The Academy Awards face a viewership problem, and many people do not tune in or pay attention. Sean Miller, a working Hollywood Producer, said, “The value of our work in the film industry is also measured by the impact we have on our audiences, the stories we tell, and the conversations we start. When asked what the Oscars meant to Sean, he said, “They are a part of that, but not the whole picture.”
Dan echoed Sean and compared the two sides of the Academy Awards. He commented on why they matter: “The Oscars continue to be the most prestigious and well-known film awards, drawing global attention to celebrated films and talents. They have the power to boost careers, influence box office earnings, and set industry standards for excellence.” Dan then compared that to how they are being challenged, saying, “the rise of streaming services, the diversification of media consumption habits, and the growing importance of social media in shaping public opinions about films challenge the traditional Oscar campaign and ceremony formats.”
The Oscar nominations and debates are still ongoing as we are in the middle of another year of the awards season. Facing dwindling viewership and criticism over their relevance in the blockbuster era, should the Academy bend to the loud voices of the famous film or hold on to their tradition and slowly fade out of existence just left to preserve film history? Dan had these parting words: “I believe the Academy Awards remain relevant as a celebration of cinematic art, offering a moment for the industry to reflect on its achievements and for audiences around the world to discover and appreciate outstanding films. However, their continued relevance will depend on the Academy’s ability to adapt to the changing industry, embrace new forms of storytelling, and truly represent the global diversity of cinema.”