Oscars On the Outs: ‘Voters Have Lost Touch With What Movie Fans Like’
By Movieguide® Staff
Theater owners and Hollywood studios continue to formulate a plan to overcome the pandemic-induced box office slump at this year’s CinemaCon on April 25.
As studios tout their 2022 slates, it is clear that theater owners agree that the Oscars are less relevant to the current market than ever.
John Fithian, president of the National Association of Theatre Owners, talked with The Hollywood Reporter about the future of the theatrical experience, the recent Oscars, and the future slate of blockbusters.
“CODA is a gorgeous film,” Fithian said of the Best Picture Winner, which was the first streaming movie to win the award. “But we all are concerned about the continuing relevance of the Oscars, because the ceremony used to be something really important for theatergoers around the world. Some of the movies that used to be in the mix had a very significant theatrical box office, like Titanic. It’s different now. Spider-Man: No Way Home didn’t even get nominated [for best picture] despite its commercial and artistic success. It’s Sony’s biggest film of all time. What about No Time to Die? It was a pretty important Bond movie. It’s about whether Academy voters have lost touch with what movie fans like. The Oscars show has become less and less relevant. It’s unfortunate.”
The Oscars’ popularity has been declining for years now.
As Movieguide® previously reported:
As filmmakers, studios, and Hollywood prepare for the 93rd Academy Awards – which are set to air at the end of April – a significant decline in viewership is expected.
The COVID-19 pandemic laid waste to theaters, the traditional box office and negatively affected the ratings of other live events such as the Golden Globes. However, another factor could have more to do with the steady decrease of interest from moviegoers in the Oscars and the movie industry.
Further evidence of a shift in moviegoer interest in 2020 became clear as streaming services took the reins for cinematic entertainment.
Movieguide®’s theory that family-friendly and morally uplifting movies draw the largest audiences continues to hold true.
Even amid coronavirus-related shutdowns throughout 2020 and into 2021, there is evidence that family movies such as THE CROODS: A NEW AGE and TOM AND JERRY opened to stronger numbers and continue to make more money at the box office than movies like TENET or JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH which targeted smaller audiences. …
Since 2014, the past six Best Picture Winners have grown steadily more niche, with few exceptions: 12 YEARS A SLAVE (2014), BIRDMAN (2015), SPOTLIGHT (2016), MOONLIGHT (2017), THE SHAPE OF WATER (2018), GREEN BOOK (2019), and PARASITE (2020).
In particular, MOONLIGHT, THE SHAPE OF WATER and PARASITE not only contained immoral content that alienated general audiences, they also tackled serious topics about modern culture.
Movieguide® encourages audiences to exercise discernment because moviegoers have the loudest voice in what movies are released.
“It’s not just because this pandemic-impacted awards season has meant most films have barely registered at the box office, opting for streaming and premium VOD. It’s also because serious movies, even when they individually attract passionate followings, now occupy a smaller niche,” THR reported.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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