Academy Awards Ratings Highest In Years, For Some Reason

by Drew Grant | 6:34 pm, March 8th, 2010

» 4 comments

It turns out that putting movies like Avatar for Best Picture and having teen stars Miley Cyrus and Taylor Lautner present awards really does pay off for the Academy. Or maybe it was having Neil Patrick Harris do that opening number (everyone loves NPH!). Either way, despite having one of the most boring red carpets we’ve seen in awhile, the ratings for the Oscars this year were the highest they’ve been since 2005. But we think we know why.

According to The New York Times, an average 41.3 million people tuned in for Hollywood’s biggest event last night, though that number was lower in New York because of that whole Cablevision/ABC-Disney fiasco.

Here’s the catch though: that data includes the more than 30 million viewers who tuned in for “at least a few minutes of the show.” Which was probably the several minutes Ben Stiller was on stage dressed in Avatar makeup, or for as long as it took for Sandy Powell to piss everyone off with her Best Costume Design acceptance speech (“I already have two of these…”). Last year, only 32 million viewers tuned in to watch Slumdog Millionaire sweep the ceremony with Hugh Jackman presiding.

Which tells us what? The teen ratings really paid off, so keep letting Jake Gyllenhaal chew gum on the red carpet and Miley slouch all she wants. As long as Zac Efron and co. are doing the presentations, the A.D.D. generation will tune in…and then get bored and switch stations again.

Academy Awards, Academy Awards ratings, Miley Cyrus, Neil Patrick Harris, Oscars, Taylor Lautner

Michele

As someone who doesn’t generally watch the Oscars I had a couple I liked in the race, Sandra Bulluck for “Blind Side” and “The Hurt Locker!”

I will also confess it would not have been a good idea to have me as part of the number’s because I did picture in a picture and only switched when the award was of interest.

Frankly, I thought the intro was long, not very funny and those who the camera was locked on looked uncomfortable which made me uncomfortable.

I cheer the winners and agree with Ms. Bigelow a huge salute to our men and women serving all around the world.

Just a few thoughts from middle America, Ft. Leavenworth KS.
http://www.sailrabbits.com Magister

I have to sort of agree with part of Michele’s response and add a thought of my own.

I realize there may be those who might dispute it and I have no data to back it up, but I think the anticipated wins by Sandra Bullock and Mo’Nique may have played a big part in the ratings.

Ms. Bullock is really, really loved in middle America, pretty much every person in the country have seen a few of her films and Mo’Nique has been very well known for a very long time. If you ask me, I think both women helped expand the audience beyond those who might normally watch.
Michele

Magister:

First you have a very interesting name, I see from the avatar of where it might originate but if there is more to it love to read about it.

Secondly thank you for responding to my post, and I must add to your comment that I agree that middle America may have thought much like as you remarked. Ms. Bullock’s films have been very enjoyable and I think most enjoyed the story that was told about the success of a young man as seen through the eye’s of a family. That it was made into a Hollywood movie is rather shocking. Frankly, just as shocking as a military movie that has won.

Forgive me, but I do miss the movies of the 40′s and 50′s that proudly made movies of the triumphs and struggles of our military member’s while at war. I watch them today, and my heart is heavy. Perhaps because I am the daughter of a military officer who gave the ultimate sacrifice, or that I have proudly served or that my husband has served several deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

I also agree that Mo’Nique has also brought in viewers to the Oscars. Again thank you for your response.
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