Declining viewership for the Academy Awards has become an embarrassment to Hollywood. In 2021, more people watched the “National Dog Show” (11 million) than they tuned in for the Oscars (10 million).
One reason for declining interest involves the nominated films, according to TV analysts. People at home want something to root for — something they have actually seen. “Titanic,” one of the biggest blockbusters of all time, was named best picture in 1998, which boosted Nielsen ratings for the Oscars telecast. In recent years, as the celebrated films have become niche (“Moonlight,” “Nomadland,” “CODA”), so has the viewership.
Source: New York Times
