The Oscars, once the epitome of cinema's grandest night, are slowly transforming into something unrecognizable, critics argue. What was once a prestigious ceremony celebrating the art of filmmaking has now become increasingly tainted, with many feeling that the essence of the event has been corrupted.
Rather than an exclusive focus on honoring the best in cinema, the Academy Awards have increasingly leaned into the glitzy, flashy, and often superficial elements of a variety show, leaving audiences questioning whether the Oscars still hold the same prestige they once did.
For decades, the Oscars were seen as the ultimate recognition for actors, filmmakers, and all those involved in bringing films to life. The event was a celebration of art, culture, and creativity, highlighting the extraordinary talents that made their mark in the film industry that year. However, in recent years, many have observed a noticeable shift in the way the ceremony is structured and presented.
The show, rather than focusing purely on cinematic excellence, seems more concerned with attracting broader audiences and maintaining a ratings appeal. This trend has led to a growing perception that the Oscars have become less about the films themselves and more about entertainment and spectacle.
Critics point to several key changes in the way the Oscars have been staged, all of which seem to reflect a move toward more variety show elements. The introduction of musical performances, comedic sketches, and celebrity-driven segments has diluted the award ceremony’s focus on recognizing cinematic achievement.
While entertainment and performance have always been a part of the Oscars to some degree, there is now a noticeable emphasis on the spectacle. What used to be a simple and respectful award presentation has now become a series of gimmicks and distractions designed to keep viewers entertained—often at the expense of the true purpose of the night.
Musical performances, once a rare highlight, are now a regular feature of the event, sometimes overshadowing the awards themselves.
This shift is especially evident with the inclusion of extravagant musical numbers and performances by popular artists, who seem to be there more to boost the show’s entertainment value than to honor the artistic achievements of the nominees.
While many viewers enjoy these performances, the inclusion of such acts has led to a perception that the Oscars are becoming less about cinema and more about appealing to mainstream tastes.
The Academy's decision to shorten speeches and introduce rapid-fire award presentations, such as the controversial move to combine multiple categories into one segment, has also been a point of contention. This strategy, aimed at making the show more fast-paced and engaging, has been met with criticism from industry professionals and movie fans alike.
These quick presentations may work for other types of live events, but for an occasion as prestigious as the Oscars, they feel like a disservice to the filmmakers, actors, and other recipients who have spent years crafting their craft. The idea of speeding up the ceremony seems to detract from the gravity of the awards and the respect they should command, turning it into a mere formality.
Another factor contributing to the shift in tone is the increasing involvement of celebrity hosts and personalities. In the past, Oscar hosts were typically seasoned comedians or entertainers, skilled at managing the delicate balance between humor and respect for the occasion.
However, recent years have seen a more extravagant approach, with celebrity hosts who focus more on their own star power than the celebration of the nominees and the awards themselves.
The emphasis on the host's personality often overshadows the true purpose of the evening—honoring cinematic achievement—transforming what was once a night for filmmakers into a night for celebrities to showcase their own brands.
The growing trend of the Oscars becoming a variety show has also been driven by the changing nature of the film industry itself. The rise of streaming platforms, the increase in superhero blockbusters, and the shifting tastes of audiences have all had an impact on the type of films nominated and celebrated at the Oscars.
While the film industry continues to evolve, some believe that the Oscars should remain a reflection of the highest artistic achievements in filmmaking, not necessarily what is most popular or what will bring in the highest television ratings.
The idea that the Oscars are becoming more like a variety show is also tied to the fact that the ceremony's viewership has been on a steady decline in recent years. The Academy, in an effort to reverse this trend, has increasingly leaned into more mainstream, mass-appeal elements, such as the inclusion of A-list musical performances and high-profile celebrity appearances.
While these elements may help draw in a wider audience, they also contribute to the perception that the ceremony is prioritizing entertainment over the celebration of film. It’s a tricky balancing act, and the results have often been divisive.
For many longtime Oscar viewers, these changes represent a departure from the magic and prestige that the Academy Awards once held. The Oscars were once a night where films, directors, and performers of exceptional quality were celebrated, with each award given the respect and gravitas it deserved.
Today, there is a growing sense that the ceremony is about creating buzz, drawing in viewers, and boosting ratings—rather than truly honoring cinematic artistry.
Of course, the Oscars are not the only award show to evolve in such a way. Many other prestigious events, such as the Grammys and the Golden Globes, have also shifted their focus toward mass appeal and entertainment value. However, for those who hold the Oscars in high regard as the ultimate night in cinema, the increasing variety show influence is a troubling sign.
The real question remains whether the Academy will return to its roots, reaffirming its commitment to celebrating the art of film, or if the Oscars will continue to evolve into a glitzy spectacle designed more for entertainment than for honoring achievement in cinema.
As the Oscars continue to evolve in the years to come, one can only hope that the core of the ceremony—recognizing and celebrating the best of cinema—does not get lost amid the spectacle and flashy performances.
Only time will tell whether the Oscars can strike the right balance between entertainment and artistic integrity, and if they can restore the prestige that once made them the pinnacle of recognition in the world of film.
