An Underwhelming Oscars Season: A Sign of Bigger Changes in Hollywood?
The 97th Oscars, set to take place this Sunday, are approaching with a noticeable lack of excitement and plenty of controversy. Unlike previous years, where anticipation and buzz often surround the nominations, this year’s ceremony feels oddly subdued. Many film enthusiasts have expressed their disappointment, with one Reddit user summing up the general sentiment: “I feel really underwhelmed by this year’s nominations.” Another user echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m just not that excited about most of the films this year. It’s been a meh year, especially after last year, and the constant drama this season has been annoying.” The enthusiasm that usually builds up to the Oscars seems to be missing this time around, leaving many to wonder if the ceremony has lost its luster.
The Disconnect Between Nominees and Audiences
One of the main reasons for this lack of excitement seems to be the disconnect between the nominated films and what audiences actually want to see. Raymond Arroyo, a Fox News contributor and host of the “Arroyo Grande” podcast, points out that most of the films nominated this year are small, arthouse movies that haven’t resonated with mainstream viewers. “I think most people haven’t seen any of these movies to be excited about them,” he remarks. Among the Best Picture nominees, only “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two” have achieved significant box office success. Other films, like “Emilia Perez” and “The Brutalist,” have garnered awards at other ceremonies but haven’t captured the hearts of general audiences. This disparity raises questions about whether the Academy is out of touch with what moviegoers truly enjoy.
Arroyo also highlights the broader issue of the Academy’s isolation from its audience, stating, “They are not taking into account popular tastes when making these choices.” He suggests that if the Academy were more in tune with the average moviegoer, films like “Deadpool & Wolverine” would have been nominated. This omission isn’t just about personal preference; it reflects a systemic problem where the Academy’s choices often prioritize artistic merit over mass appeal. This divide has led some to question whether the Oscars are still the cultural touchstone they once were.
The Impact of Diversity and Inclusion Standards
Another factor contributing to the underwhelming reception of this year’s Oscars is the Academy’s new diversity and inclusion standards. Instituted in 2024 for the 96th annual ceremony, these standards require films vying for Best Picture to meet two out of four categories related to representation and inclusion. These categories focus on underrepresented groups, including women, racial or ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. While the intent behind these standards is commendable, they have inadvertently created challenges for filmmakers and the Academy alike.
Arroyo shares an anecdote from one of his conversations with an Oscar-winning filmmaker, who admitted that his film would likely not qualify for an Oscar under the new standards. This sentiment reflects a growing concern that the standards are too restrictive, potentially disqualifying films that don’t meet the representation criteria. Arroyo explains, “You have to have so many nontraditional casting here and so many non-White people working on this part of the film. It’s an interesting thing that we’re seeing, which I think is disqualifying a lot of films that we’ll never hear of at the Oscars because they just couldn’t check those boxes.” While the push for greater diversity is important, the rigidity of these standards may be alienating some filmmakers and limiting the range of stories that can be told.
A Call for Change: Giving the Audience a Voice
One potential solution to bridge the gap between the Academy and audiences is the introduction of a popular audience award. Arroyo suggests allowing viewers to vote for their favorite film, which could help bring more mainstream movies into the mix. This idea isn’t just about placating fans; it’s about making the Oscars more inclusive and reflective of broader cultural tastes. By giving the audience a stake in the outcome, the ceremony could regain some of its lost relevance and excitement. As Arroyo puts it, “You’d get more popular films in the mix,” which could help revitalize the Oscars’ fading appeal.
However, implementing such a change wouldn’t be without its challenges. The Academy has historically prided itself on being a bastion of artistic excellence, and adding a popular vote might be seen as watering down its prestige. Yet, with viewership numbers on the decline and public interest waning, the Academy may need to consider bold measures to remain relevant. The Oscars’Ability to adapt to changing times and tastes will be crucial in determining its future.
The Future of the Oscars in a Changing Media Landscape
Looking ahead, the Oscars’ ability to remain a cultural touchstone will depend on its willingness to evolve. The rise of streaming services and the proliferation of high-quality television have fundamentally altered how people consume media. As Arroyo notes, “There’s some great television that rivals the best films they’re nominating this year.” With so much compelling content available across various platforms, the Oscars face stiff competition for viewers’ attention. The ceremony’s future success may hinge on its ability to broaden its scope and encompass a wider range of creative work, including television and streaming content.
Moreover, the shifting landscape of the film industry itself poses challenges for the Oscars. The traditional studio system is giving way to streaming giants, and the way movies are produced, distributed, and consumed is rapidly changing. Arroyo reflects on these changes, saying, “The world is changing, and it’s changed a lot for people in the film industry. These streamers are taking over. But the collective audience doesn’t necessarily gather around it. So, we’re in a new day. And film is no longer the defining touchstone of the culture that it once was.” If the Oscars are to remain relevant, they must find a way to adapt to this new reality.
Conclusion: Can the Oscars Reclaim Their Magic?
As the 97th Oscars approach, it’s clear that the ceremony is at a crossroads. With a lack of exciting nominees, restrictive diversity standards, and a growing disconnect from mainstream audiences, the Oscars are facing an identity crisis. While there are no easy solutions, the suggestions made by Arroyo—such as introducing an audience award or broadening the scope of eligible content—offer a starting point for discussion. The Academy’s ability to listen to feedback and evolve will be key to its survival.
Ultimately, the Oscars don’t just celebrate films; they reflect the cultural moment. As the film industry and audience preferences continue to shift, the Oscars must decide whether to remain a relic of the past or embrace the changes and find a new way to resonate with viewers. The road ahead won’t be easy, but with a willingness to change, the Oscars can reclaim some of their former glory and once again become a celebration that unites filmmakers and audiences alike.
