I started this blog a year ago, just after the last Academy Awards show aired, back when I was feeling disgusted and more than a little sad. Now, we’ve just had another Oscar show and I’m left feeling the same way.
Because, you see, I remember. I remember being a young girl and waiting excitedly for it to be time for the Oscars to come on the television again. I wanted to see it all, from the ladies arriving in their beautiful gowns, to the men in their tuxes and every interview given before the show started. And, of course I watched the show itself from its beginning to the very end; every award, every speech and every musical number.
Back then, that was quite a feat. There were no DVRs, no VCRs and no internet feeds. If you took too long getting a snack or using the bathroom, you ran the risk of missing something important. Often, the show wouldn’t end until late in the evening and I remember sitting with drooping eyelids waiting for the last awards to be announced.
But, I did it because I cared. I’ve always loved movies. I’m one of those weirdos who sits through credits in the theater because I need to know who directed it and where it was shot. On Oscar night, I would sit with my hands clenched, holding my breath to see who won in each category. Because it really mattered to me.
The Academy Awards brought the whole world together. The viewing numbers were astronomical back then.
And now, Hollywood is wondering what happened. Why are the numbers way down? Why aren’t more people watching? Well, let me clue you in, Hollywood.
Let’s start with the red carpet. Instead of the beautiful gowns I used to see in my childhood, it has become a parade of boobs and butts. Seriously, I might as well rent porn. No, thank you. Sadly, little girls everywhere are being robbed of the joy of watching the “fashion show” that I used to look forward to each year (did you know there used to be a dress code for the awards?).
Then, there’s the opening of the show. What a highlight that used to be. It was usually jokes and songs from Bob Hope that were actually funny. Now, it has become a bunch of hateful, political “jokes” ridiculing pretty much everything I hold dear. And, that sets the tone for the rest of the show. Seriously, when did The Oscars become a political platform for people to spout their agendas (but, only the agendas that Hollywood deems acceptable)?
Oh, how I used to care about which movie won the award for Best Picture. Now, it’s rare if I’ve even watched any of the nominated titles. Movies used to be another tool to bring us all together. Now, they separate us into categories and if you fall into the “wrong” category, you can expect an hour and a half of hate aimed in your direction. Why would I pay for that abuse?
And, I used to love aIl the actresses and actors. They felt like my friends and I rooted for my favorites. Now, they are quoted as saying so many hateful things that I don’t even want to look at their faces, much less watch them win a trophy.
This year, the academy tried new things to raise viewership. They did away with a host (which I heard made the show seem weird and disjointed) and they announced that the theme was “inclusion”. Really? Of who? Because, you don’t include me, in your movie themes, your jokes or anything else.
Instead of bringing us all together like you used to, you have done more to cause separation than any other entity. You have created an “us vs. them” mentality, and in your arrogance you have decided that you are on the “good” side. Well, your precious numbers are showing you that a large part of the population is tired of it.
You’ve made us not care anymore. I don’t want to see what you’re wearing. I don’t want to hear what you have to say. I don’t want to watch the trash you’re producing and I don’t care which one of you brings home a golden doll.
If you want your viewers back, make me care, Hollywood. Because right now I’m sick of you.
Read more of Ann’s contributions to allmomdoes here.
