For many years now, the ratings for the Academy Awards have been in decline. One major reason attributed: the nominated movies were mostly independent releases.
But this year might be better. Even without a host, the Oscars should pull a larger audience. After all, a lot of people saw the Best Picture nominees, probably more than in many recent years.
For one thing, both “The Irishman” and “Marriage Story” have been on Netflix for months. Certainly even a passive subscriber must have been curious to take a look at one of them.
Then there are the box office blockbusters. “1917,” which is favored to win Best Picture, is in theaters now and has made $132 million. It’s at the top of the current box office.
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” has scored $142 million and features two actual movie stars, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.
“Ford v Ferrari,” with two more movie stars– Matt Damon and Christian Bale– brought in over $116 million. Oscar viewers should be curious about that movie’s fate.
“Joker” with the anticipated Best Actor Joaquin Phoenix is the most successful of the bunch with $335 million– a huge number for an Oscar nominated film.
Finally, there’s “Little Women” with $102 million, an astounding box office for a movie based on a literary novel from the past.
Will viewers tune in? There’s also the value added of he musical performances from Elton John, Billie Eilish, and so on. If the show doesn’t score tonight in the ratings, it’s not for a lack of trying.
