Oscars 2024: The Decline of Hollywood’s Influence and the Rise of Family Values

In an era where Hollywood struggles to maintain cultural relevance, the 2024 Oscars offered an intriguing glimpse into the industry’s waning influence and shifting priorities.

While once the Oscars were the epicenter of glamour and pop culture prestige, recent trends suggest audiences have significantly cooled on Hollywood’s premier event.

The evening opened predictably with hosts Cash Patel and Pam Bondi greeting the audience amid polite applause. Yet, what followed was an unmistakable air of desperation from an industry increasingly aware of its diminishing cultural power.

Notably, former President Donald Trump’s presence was felt despite his absence. A tweet mocking Jimmy Kimmel, a mainstay of ABC’s late-night roster, underscored the industry’s internal tensions.

Kimmel, struggling to deliver humor amid declining ratings and public relevance, took the jab with visible discomfort. His attempt at humor about Trump’s tweet fell flat, drawing scattered laughter and awkward silence from the audience.

Beneath the superficial glamour, the cracks in Hollywood’s facade became more pronounced when actress Selena Gomez took to the stage, adorned in jewelry worth a million dollars—a stark contradiction to her recent heartfelt apology on social media addressing immigration issues.

Critics argue that Gomez’s lavish display was a miscalculation, amplifying Hollywood’s disconnect with the realities facing average Americans.

Further controversy emerged during the presentation involving actresses Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. Amid rumored tensions, their noticeably distant interaction drew media attention.

The controversy stems from Zegler’s outspoken criticism of political figures and strong stances on international conflicts, contrasting sharply with Gadot’s background. This disconnect was palpable, making their joint appearance awkward at best.

The most telling sign of the industry’s struggle, however, was the lack of significant controversy.

Hollywood, once eager to push boundaries, seems to have tempered its overt political commentary and provocative stunts—perhaps recognizing the dwindling patience of its audience.

Amid these developments, one surprising highlight was the acceptance speech from actor Kieran Culkin, who won Best Supporting Actor.

In an unusual but welcome turn, Culkin delivered a refreshingly genuine, pro-family message, humorously reminding his wife of a promise to expand their family if he won.

The audience responded warmly, signaling a rare, genuine moment in an otherwise superficial night.

Despite fleeting sincerity, Hollywood faces hard truths about its declining relevance. Forbes and The New York Times highlight this growing concern, noting plummeting viewership and waning cultural influence.

The industry’s desperation to regain public attention is clear, yet their efforts to adapt appear superficial and reactionary rather than authentic.

Ultimately, the 2024 Oscars may signal a broader cultural shift—away from scripted political narratives and staged rituals, toward genuine moments of human connection.

Whether Hollywood embraces this reality or continues its march toward irrelevance remains to be seen.