Read our previous article on the 96th Academy Awards to recap the initial reactions to the Oscar nominations and how the conversation began.
The curtains have closed on the 96th Academy Awards, a moment that left the industry buzzing and the audience reflective. This article takes you back to the ceremony, not just from the film industry’s perspective but through its audience’s eyes. We delve into the shifts in the Oscars’ relevance by analyzing viewership data, revisiting insights from film producer Sean Miller, and capturing the sentiments of an Oscars enthusiast, Jessica Bennett. These perspectives help gauge whether the Oscars are regaining their cultural significance or slowly fading from public interest.
According to Kate Gibson of CBS News, the ceremony attracted 19.5 million viewers, a modest increase from last year. While this number represents just over five percent of the U.S. population, it still engages one in eighteen Americans. This year, the multiplatform ratings, including Live Plus Seven Day views, extended the reach to 21 million, highlighting a shift towards digital engagement, as Joe Otterson of Variety reported.
Jessica Bennett and her friends traditionally gathered to watch the Oscars and opted for a virtual meetup this year. She said we try our best to maintain the tradition. She represents a segment of the audience that finds immense value in the event’s communal and celebratory aspects, suggesting areas where the Oscars continue to resonate.
Sean Miller, who previously discussed the Oscar nominations with us, shared his views on the ceremony’s outcomes. “I wasn’t really surprised by the winners, but I hoped for greater diversity among them,” he noted. Despite the predictability of some awards, the standout success of Oppenheimer, which clinched seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor, sparked mixed reactions about the diversity of award distribution.
According to a list compiled by Joe Reid of Vulture, 53 feature-length and short films were nominated. Only 13 of the 53 nominated movies have won an Oscar this year. Sean was happy that Oppenheimer won so many awards but said that when the same film wins so many awards, it kind of makes the whole ceremony seem pointless.
Abbey Bowling of CW33 reported that the Oscars’ production costs were a staggering $56.9 million. While Jessica appreciates the grandeur, noting that “the lavish production values make the Oscars special,” there is an ongoing debate about whether this splendor justifies the expenditure, especially in a changing media landscape.
While the Oscars aim to dazzle and celebrate cinematic achievements, their relevance in the digital age remains a complex, multifaceted discussion. As we reflect on the insights from this year’s ceremony and audience reactions, the future of this storied event hangs in the balance, challenging the Academy to innovate and perhaps reinvent its storied tradition.
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