Fix the Oscars

Art by Trevor Pacelli

By Trevor Pacelli
The viewership numbers for the Academy Awards ceremony back in the 1990s would easily reach 30 to 50 million viewers each year, but in 2021, viewership hit rock-bottom with 10.4 million viewers and struggled to get back to its glory days. In efforts to win back the public, the people behind this organization resorted to disrespectful gimmicks like removing “lesser” categories from the live show to make more time for pointless sketches and “virality” moments. Even worse, they continue to only use the movies they nominate and award, as well as the acceptance speeches, to push specific political agendas. Yet these pathetic efforts haven’t worked in their favor. I’ve been an avid follower of the Oscars for several years, and since the pandemic, my respect for the AMPAS has grown less each year, to the point I haven’t watched the live ceremony since 2021. I do believe it is important to acknowledge filmmaking achievements, but only if done correctly. So, what should be done to make the average person WANT to watch a bunch of out-of-touch rich people being rewarded for what they do in their industry? Here are some ways to give Oscar his overdue face-lift:

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