Introduction: The Oscars Drew In Low Numbers
On April 25, the Oscars broadcast from Union Station in Los Angeles and the results were abysmal. According to Nielsen, only 9.85 million people tuned in. Last year, the Oscars drew in 23.6 million viewers meaning that the awards ceremony suffered a substantial 58.3% YOY drop or a net loss of 13.75 million viewers.
The ceremony show's ratings also experienced similar drops. Among adults 18-49, this year's Oscars only drew in a 1.9 rating compared to 2020's rating of 5.3 (-64.2% YOY). This means that not only were there fewer people interested in the Oscars, but among those who did watch the ceremony strongly disliked it.
The Over-Politicization
What could the audience dislike from the Oscars? If you may have guessed from the title and thumbnail, my hypothesis is that the massive drop-off was caused by the cringey shoehorning of politics.
Obviously, I only speak for myself, but when it comes to entertainment, whether it be movies or video games, it is an avenue for escapism. When I watch a movie or play a video game, I engross myself into the fictional worlds that the creators made and forget about real life. (Yes, I am aware of the fact that the Oscars also feature non-fiction films). As a result, I would expect a film awards show to be about movies and their merits. I would expect a lot of talk about how the creators, actors/actresses, composers, and musicians put together their crafts. When the Oscars brought up the Chauvin verdict and identity politics, it effectively went out of its way to not serve its purpose.
It also did not help when some of the viewers reacted like this when Anthony Hopkins won Best Actor:
Some blue checkmarks' reactions to Anthony Hopkins winning Best Actor. Note their absolute focus on the color of his skin and not the merits of his acting skills.
Comments like these achieve nothing other than creating more division. If someone did a superb job acting, then he or she should be acknowledged for that. Race and gender have little to do with one's ability to act, and the insinuation that Chadwick Boseman did not win Best Actor because of "white supremacy" is completely asinine. I think Boseman is a great actor and it does not require him winning Best Actor in order for me to acknowledge his skill and talent.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, if the Oscars are to turn things around, then it needs to make it all about the movies and meritocracy, not politics. It is an awards ceremony that gives acknowledgement to the actors, actresses, and creators' skills. Because it lost that focus, the fact that it had the lowest viewers and ratings ever is not surprising.
Lastly, this should not be interpreted as "Shut up and act". Actors, actresses, and other people in the entertainment industry are free to express their political opinions. However, there are many other opportunities for them to do that. They can go to a political rally or even run their own. There's a time and place for everything, but not every single special event ought to have politics.
