Oscars vs. Reality: My Call for Hollywood to Wake Up!
I will admit up front that I did not watch the Oscars this year, but neither did most according to early ratings information.
I remember as a kid dreaming of one day winning an Oscar. Oscar night was a big part of my life. In college, we would order pizza and all gather in someone’s dorm room for the big night. Now, I think I would be embarrassed to be on the Oscars, like I would not be able to live with who I had become.
So what has happened over the last decade? When did Hollywood become so out of touch with who we are as Americans? None of the movies even nominated were that popular at the Box Office. Does Hollywood think that they know more about movies than the average American?
According to the Associated press, “The Academy Awards were down 10 percent from last year’s ceremony, based on preliminary Nielsen Media Research ratings from the nation’s 55 biggest markets. If the full national ratings follow suit later Monday, this year’s ceremony will likely be the second least-watched Oscars telecast behind 2003, when “Chicago” won best picture.”
Since you weren’t listening in 2003, maybe you will listen now. Here is my advice to Hollywood.
You have disgraced the honor
By believing that you are so much better than the average American, you have alienated yourself from what America is really like. Most Americans don’t want to see gay sex on the big screen let alone anywhere else. Nowadays you only win an Oscar if you portray a gay man or lesbian or someone so dysfunctional that very few people can relate. That is taking away from the art of acting. Now, it is the role, not the portrayal. How many more nominations have to be wasted just because beautiful women spend four hours a day to make themselves look “ugly.” Goodbye storytelling, hello political cause. Forget about politics and “statements” and go back to great stories.
Pay attention to the Box Office
Just look at the top grossing movies of this year. Notice that most of them were not nominated at all or given some token nomination, like best catering. The Chronicles of Narnia was one of the highest ticket sellers this year and earned only one nomination-for Best Make-Up. Please get real! Most families are not into causes, but actual stories.
You have completely lost touch with reality
Actors seem to think that they can just pick a cool cause and therefore are still in touch with the everyday working class. Wrong. Picking causes because they are cool at the time is not true caring and does not get you any higher respect with us normal people. What happen to the days of Billy Crystal, Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg? These days, a cause is taken on for the publicity and then it is “goodbye, normal people” when the media is out of site. You are no better just because you make more money and are on TV.
Get some modesty
How you dressed has always been a news item on the day of the Oscars. Realize that most people with kids cannot even watch because of the immodesty you have with your dress.
You have gotten too young
Being young is not what makes a good actor. It also sets Hollywood into turmoil when kids are given more money and responsibility than they can stay out of trouble with.
I predict that Oscar viewing will continue to decline unless Hollywood begins to get in touch with reality. It seems unreal that such a small portion of our society controls so much, like what we view, think and believe. But I hope Oscar Sunday sent them a message. We will not support a Hollywood that is so out of touch with who we are.
Author: Laura Trahan - searchwarp.com
