The 98th Academy Awards will be presented on March 15. Television viewership for the Oscars has fallen from a peak in 1998 to much lower numbers in recent years, but the awards remain influential in film culture.
David Tarleton, professor of film and chair of the film and media arts department at Syracuse University, explains that an Oscar win or even a nomination often raises box office and industry opportunities. He says a win can mean doubling a person’s salary or more for their next project. For many actors and filmmakers, that recognition explains a great deal of later success.
Tarleton notes how small films can gain wide attention through the Oscars; for example, the 2022 film Everything Everywhere All At Once began as a small project and went on to win seven Oscars. He also points out changing habits: people now watch for red carpet fashion, memes, or highlights rather than only for the films themselves.
The Academy is adapting by adding categories, adjusting pacing for social media, and broadening membership so non-English films appear more often. Whether these steps will attract younger viewers is still unclear.
Difficult words
- viewership — number of people who watch a show
- nomination — official choice of a person for an award
- box office — money a film earns from ticket sales
- recognition — public or industry praise for someone's work
- adapt — change to fit new conditions or needsadapting
- meme — image or idea that spreads quickly onlinememes
- membership — being a formal member of a group
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think awards like the Oscars help small films reach a wider audience? Why or why not?
- Have you ever watched an awards show for the red carpet or online highlights rather than the films? Describe briefly.
- Which change by the Academy would most make you watch the Oscars, and why?
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