Hollywood's Pop Culture Rise Falters: Can Movies Stage a Comeback?

The 2021 Oscars drew little attention from viewers. With less than 10% of U.S. households tuning in, the final ratings reported by Nielsen revealed a stark decline, with only 10.4 million viewers and a 2.1 final rating among the 18 to 49 demographic. This marked a significant drop of 56% and 58%, respectively, compared to the 2020 Oscars.

Many attributed this decline to the ongoing pandemic, which affected other awards shows like the Grammys and Golden Globes as well. The closure of theatres and delays in blockbuster releases contributed to waning public interest. Additionally, the Oscars' focus on indie films rather than popular blockbusters in recent years didn't favour the academy.

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Some also pointed to cord-cutting and the shift away from live TV, although this explanation falls short when considering the modest drop in viewership for events like the Super Bowl. However, there's a deeper reason behind the Oscars' struggles: movies no longer dominate our cultural discourse as they once did.

In today's digital era, where culture evolves rapidly on social platforms, the traditional theatrical experience faces challenges. The friction of going to theatres hinders movies' ability to remain central to cultural conversations. Hollywood's adherence to traditional theatrical windows before the pandemic limited accessibility in the digital age, allowing other forms of entertainment like video games, social media, and music to take the spotlight in pop culture.

To stage a successful comeback, the theatrical experience must evolve. It needs to be more accessible and community-focused, offering programs beyond just movie screenings. For example, theatres could host community events or provide childcare services for parents, creating a more immersive and engaging experience.

Ultimately, the question remains: how can movies adapt without losing their essence? As Hollywood navigates this challenge, it must address how to compete against interactive digital mediums while preserving the artistry and appeal of traditional cinema.

-Sushmita Sarkar