Fading Spotlight: Are the Oscars and Award Shows Still Relevant?

The red carpet unrolls. Flashbulbs flicker. Stars in designer gowns deliver carefully rehearsed acceptance speeches. For decades, award shows like the Oscars, the Grammys, and the Golden Globes were synonymous with glamour, prestige, and cultural significance.

But today, those golden statues seem to shine a little less brightly. Ratings are plummeting, and conversations around these events often focus more on controversies or snubs than the art they’re meant to celebrate. What’s behind the declining relevance of award shows? Is the era of tuning in for three-hour broadcasts over, or can these events evolve to meet the moment?

The Golden Age of Award Shows

Once upon a time, award shows were unmissable events. The Oscars, founded in 1929, and the Grammys, which debuted in 1959, became cultural touchstones. They weren’t just about the awards; they were a celebration of artistry, a rare glimpse into the lives of celebrities, and a chance for fans to feel connected to Hollywood’s elite.

For much of the 20th century, these ceremonies shaped the cultural conversation. Who can forget iconic moments like Marlon Brando’s Oscar boycott or Adele breaking her Grammy in half to honor Beyoncé? Award shows were stages for both spectacle and substance, providing the kind of live drama that no scripted TV could replicate.

A Shift in Viewership

But over the last two decades, audiences have drifted away. The 2021 Oscars, for instance, drew less than 10 million viewers—down from over 43 million in 2014. A similar decline has affected the Grammys and Golden Globes. So, what changed?

1. Fragmented Media Consumption: In the era of streaming and social media, audiences have more options than ever. Award shows, with their lengthy runtime and traditional format, struggle to compete with the immediacy and variety of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
2. Cultural Disconnect: Critics argue that award shows often fail to reflect the tastes of modern audiences. Movies and music with mass appeal are frequently overlooked in favor of niche or “prestige” works, alienating everyday viewers.
3. Overexposure: With countless award shows leading up to the Oscars or Grammys, the once-unique events now feel like just another stop on the endless promotional circuit.

The Role of Social Media

Ironically, the very platforms that contribute to declining viewership also keep award shows in the public eye—just in bite-sized form. Twitter reactions, Instagram highlights, and YouTube clips distill hours-long ceremonies into the most shareable moments. Think of Will Smith’s infamous Oscars slap or Lady Gaga’s heartfelt support of Liza Minnelli—those moments reached millions who never tuned into the live broadcast.

Social media has shifted the way we engage with award shows. Instead of being must-watch television, they’re now a collection of viral snippets and memes.

The Controversy Factor

Award shows have always had their controversies, but in recent years, these moments have often overshadowed the events themselves. From the #OscarsSoWhite movement to the Grammys facing accusations of corruption, these institutions are being scrutinized in ways they never were before.

While this accountability is necessary, it has also eroded trust in these organizations. For many, the glamour and prestige now feel out of touch, especially when set against broader conversations about representation and equity.

Can Award Shows Evolve?

All is not lost for award shows. Some recent attempts at reinvention hint at what the future might hold:

• Shortened Formats: The Golden Globes experimented with a shorter runtime in response to complaints about bloated ceremonies.
• Diverse Hosts: Inviting younger, more relatable hosts, like Quinta Brunson or Trevor Noah, has helped attract broader audiences.
• Audience Participation: Incorporating fan-voted categories, like the Oscars’ “Fan Favorite” award, acknowledges the importance of viewer engagement.

But these efforts need to go further. To remain relevant, award shows must embrace the changing cultural landscape—making room for diverse voices, celebrating a wider range of media, and embracing new ways of storytelling.

Award shows aren’t dead, but their golden age might be behind us. Whether they fade into nostalgia or adapt to become meaningful once again depends on their ability to connect with a world that’s outgrown the old rules of glitz and glamour.

For now, the red carpet still rolls, but the spotlight has shifted. Maybe the question isn’t about saving award shows—it’s about whether we still need them at all.