Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Academy Award Ratings Hit An All-Time Low
The 2021 Oscars broadcast failed to attract many viewers.
(
Wikimedia Commons
)
The pandemic forced the producers of Sunday’s Academy Awards show to scale back everywhere. There was no gridlocked red carpet, no fancy afterparties and even a venue change — from Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre to downtown’s Union Station.
Those weren’t the only things missing from this year’s broadcast. Television viewers, just like MIA best actor winner Anthony Hopkins, largely skipped the Academy Awards.
A year ago — before the pandemic — Oscar ratings fell to an all-time low. But yesterday's estimated TV audience was even worse: down nearly 60% from the 2020 broadcast, with an estimated audience of fewer than 10 million.
Of course, the Oscars aren’t alone when it comes to cratering ratings. The Emmys, Grammys and Tonys all went virtual, and their ratings collapsed about as much as the Academy Awards’ audience did.
Support for LAist comes from
Perhaps fans missed seeing celebrities in their fanciest get-ups and the telecast's usual set pieces. Maybe they also missed this year’s nominated movies. With theaters closed and studios postponing most major releases, none of 2020’s best picture nominees was anything close to a commercial hit.
In her acceptance speech, Frances McDormand, winner of both the best actress trophy and the best picture award as the star and producer of Nomadland, implored everyone to return to movie theaters.
"Please, watch our movie on the largest screen possible," she said. "And one day, very, very soon, take everyone you know into a theater, shoulder to shoulder, in that dark space and watch every film that is represented here tonight."
Maybe she should've asked everyone to return to the Oscars, too.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend. -
The bill would increase penalties for metal recyclers who possess or purchase metal used in public infrastructure. -
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter. -
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500
Best of LAist