The Oscars and Hollywood’s Struggle for Relevance in 2024

For decades, the Academy Awards stood as Hollywood’s grandest night—a celebration of film, culture, and entertainment that captured the world’s attention. But in recent years, the ceremony has faced a steady decline in viewership, cultural significance, and overall impact. The 2024 Oscars only confirmed what many have been speculating for years: the golden age of Hollywood’s award shows is fading, and no amount of celebrity stunts or political posturing can bring it back.

Hollywood’s Desperate Play for Attention

The entertainment industry has long understood that attention is its most valuable currency. From staged controversies to calculated celebrity feuds, Hollywood thrives on staying in the spotlight. However, this year’s Oscars revealed a different reality—one where even the most desperate attempts at gaining attention barely make a dent in public interest.

One of the most talked-about moments came in the form of an alleged “humiliation ritual” involving John Cena. Whether it was an inside joke among elites or just another bizarre awards-show stunt, the fact remains: Hollywood celebrities are willing to embarrass themselves if it means keeping the cameras rolling.

But does anyone still care? The numbers suggest otherwise. Viewership for the Oscars has been in a freefall for years, and even major media outlets like Forbes and The New York Times are now questioning whether the ceremony still holds cultural relevance. The days when millions eagerly tuned in to watch the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown seem to be a thing of the past.

Trump, Kimmel, and the Politics of the Oscars

The 2024 Oscars were not without their political jabs, but even those seemed tired and predictable. Host Jimmy Kimmel took the opportunity to read a message from Donald Trump, in which the former president mocked the show’s low ratings and suggested Kimmel’s time on air was running out. Rather than countering with a clever or substantial response, Kimmel opted for a cheap shot, joking about Trump’s legal troubles. The exchange felt less like a sharp-witted moment and more like a worn-out routine—one that even the audience seemed unenthusiastic about.

For years, Hollywood has positioned itself as a political battleground, with award shows doubling as platforms for activism. But with public interest waning, the industry now faces a paradox: How can it maintain its role as a cultural authority when fewer and fewer people are paying attention?

Hollywood’s Identity Crisis

One of the more subtle but telling moments of the night came when Selena Gomez walked the red carpet wearing a $1 million diamond necklace. Just days earlier, she was seen wearing a sign that read, “I’m an idiot,” in response to criticism over her comments on global conflicts. The contrast was stark: a performer attempting to appear socially conscious one moment and then dripping in wealth and luxury the next. This contradiction is emblematic of a larger issue in Hollywood—an industry that often preaches morality while operating in excess.

The disconnect between Hollywood and everyday Americans is growing, and it’s reflected in how these celebrities conduct themselves. While millions struggle with economic hardships, Hollywood elites flaunt their wealth and preach political messages without any real connection to the issues they claim to support. The average viewer sees right through the performance, and as a result, many have chosen to tune out altogether.

A Weak Attempt at Staying Relevant

Even when the Oscars attempted to touch on global issues, the execution felt forced. One notable instance was actress Daryl Hannah’s speech, in which she expressed support for Ukraine. While advocacy is not inherently problematic, the performative nature of such statements—especially from individuals who have no direct stake in the cause—feels more like an empty gesture than a genuine call to action.

If Hollywood celebrities truly cared about the issues they champion, there are countless ways they could contribute beyond speeches and social media posts. But instead, their activism often ends at the red carpet, making their statements seem more about self-congratulation than real impact.

The Decline of Hollywood’s Power

The Oscars have long been a measure of Hollywood’s influence. In its prime, the event dictated fashion trends, box office successes, and cultural conversations. But now, the industry finds itself struggling to maintain relevance in an era where traditional media is losing its grip on public consciousness.

A major sign of this shift is how little controversy emerged from this year’s ceremony. Unlike previous years, where political grandstanding dominated headlines, the 2024 Oscars felt muted. Even Rachel Zegler—who has been outspoken on social media about her political views—refrained from making any controversial statements on stage. This suggests that Hollywood is beginning to recognize the limits of its influence.

But it may be too little, too late. Audiences have already moved on. The rise of independent content creators, streaming platforms, and decentralized media has given people more choices than ever before. Viewers no longer need to rely on a handful of major studios and networks to tell them what’s culturally important. They can decide for themselves.

The Industry’s Path Forward

If Hollywood wants to regain public trust and interest, it needs to shift its priorities. Instead of using award shows as political platforms, it should focus on storytelling, creativity, and genuine entertainment. Instead of staging elaborate publicity stunts, it should embrace authenticity. And instead of alienating audiences with out-of-touch messaging, it should reconnect with the values that made cinema a beloved art form in the first place.

For now, though, the industry seems unwilling—or unable—to adapt. The Oscars will likely continue their downward trajectory, with each year’s ceremony feeling more irrelevant than the last. And as Hollywood clings to its fading power, audiences will keep looking elsewhere for stories that actually resonate with them.

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, the decline of the Oscars is not just about an award show—it’s about the larger cultural shift taking place. The traditional entertainment industry is losing its monopoly over public attention, and the people who once controlled the narrative are scrambling to stay relevant.

As viewers turn away from scripted celebrity dramas and embrace more organic, grassroots forms of entertainment, Hollywood will be forced to make a choice: evolve or fade into obscurity. Right now, it appears to be choosing the latter.

Meanwhile, everyday Americans are finding fulfillment elsewhere. Whether it’s spending time with family, engaging in meaningful activities, or supporting independent creators who actually speak to them, people are making it clear that they don’t need Hollywood’s validation to determine what matters.

And that may be the biggest wake-up call of all.