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The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences is making a significant shift as the Oscars prepare to leave the traditional network TV format for YouTube in 2029. This announcement signals the continued decline of Hollywood’s once-glorious awards show, a change that underscores a troubling trend: America’s disengagement from a spectacle that has become synonymous with political posturing and elitism.
Despite being a cornerstone of American entertainment, the Oscars have struggled with ratings that have dipped year after year. The decline reached alarming lows in 2021, 2022, and 2023, indicating that audience interest has waned. As many observers note, this dwindling viewership stems from a growing resentment towards Hollywood figures who often lecture the public from their comfortable positions. “America stopped paying attention because people don’t want to be lectured about politics from rich liberals who live in a bubble,” reflects the general sentiment towards these so-called cultural icons.
As the Academy prepares for its centennial celebration in 2028, it will still air on ABC, but the move to YouTube reflects a desperate attempt to capture a younger, more diverse audience. This plan, however, appears to be more about survival than celebrating cinematic achievements. Bill Kramer, the academy chief executive, expressed enthusiasm for this new partnership, emphasizing its potential to reach a “larger worldwide audience.” But does this truly address the underlying issues that have driven many away from the Oscars?
The transition to streaming may open the doors to global accessibility, but it raises questions about the authenticity of the viewing experience. Past ceremonies have devolved into platforms for actors to promote their woke narratives. The incorporation of diversity benchmarks for Best Picture eligibility is one such example of the Oscars steering away from its original purpose. These rules favor films that meet specific criteria over simply honoring artistic excellence—a move that many view as a concession to the social justice movement rather than genuine progress in representation.
Star power at the Oscars has also shifted towards the promotion of personal agendas. After winning an Oscar for her supporting role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Jamie Lee Curtis took the spotlight to advocate for her trans daughter, declaring that she gave her award they/them pronouns. Additionally, co-director Daniel Scheinert’s speech, where he thanked his parents for allowing him to dress in drag as a child, drew applause, but also served to underline the extent to which the ceremony has become a soapbox for expressing personal beliefs rather than a celebration of cinema.
Host Jimmy Kimmel added to the cacophony of political discourse with a rant filled with disdain for Donald Trump, alienating viewers who prefer their entertainment devoid of divisive rhetoric. It’s clear that the Oscars are no longer just a celebration of filmmaking; they have become a battleground for cultural wars, and many Americans have opted out of the fight, choosing not to tune in.
In moving to YouTube, the Academy may hope to rekindle interest in a format that feels increasingly outdated. However, the challenge remains: how to reclaim the essence of the Oscars as a celebration of cinematic artistry rather than a forum for political correctness. The path ahead is uncertain, and one thing is clear—if the Oscars cannot reconnect with the audience that once cherished them, their fate may only worsen as they wade deeper into a streaming world largely dominated by personal branding and less by genuine talent.
In sum, the shift from network television to YouTube encapsulates Hollywood’s struggle with relevance in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. The Academy must identify whether it seeks to entertain or to educate, or perhaps to satisfy its constituents in a way that acknowledges their frustrations. As of now, the Oscars seem caught between these worlds, leaving many to wonder if the illustrious ceremony can still draw in an audience that values both art and authenticity.
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