The Jordan Harbinger Show 813: The Oscars | Skeptical Sunday.
Mar 19, 2023
Award-winning journalist and podcaster Andrew Gold dives into the mystique of the Oscars. He explores who decides the winners and the dwindling viewership compared to its glory days. Was the infamous Will Smith slap staged for cash? Gold also discusses the complexities of Oscar attendance, the importance of diversity, and the high stakes of campaigning, all while poking fun at the blandness of recent ceremonies. Tune in for an insightful look at celebrity culture and the Academy's influence!
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Declining Oscar Viewership
- Oscar viewership has declined from 46 million in 2000 to 10 million in 2021.
- The Will Smith slap temporarily boosted viewership in 2022, but the overall trend is downward.
Oscars' Enduring Allure
- Despite declining viewership, the Oscars retain cultural significance.
- Society's focus on actors, rather than other professions, contributes to this allure.
Seinfeld's Award Critique
- Comedian Jerry Seinfeld highlighted the irony of comedians receiving awards.
- He believes that comedy should challenge elitist hierarchies, not be celebrated by them.