Oscars Ratings Take a Major Hit as Viewership TANKS Amid ‘Woke’ Backlash – Here’s Actors and Actresses Getting Vocal and Warned that…

The 97th Academy Awards, held on February 26, 2025, marked a stark reality check for Hollywood, as ratings for the ceremony hit an all-time low. The Oscars, once the crowning jewel of the entertainment industry, now seem to be suffering a massive decline in viewership—drawing just 18.1 million viewers, down 7% from the previous year. Even worse, this marks the third-lowest ratings in the history of the event.

When the Oscars first debuted nearly 100 years ago, it was a night of glamour, excitement, and star power, where millions gathered to celebrate the best in cinema. But in recent years, the telecast has seen a significant drop in viewership, with 2020’s pandemic-era ceremony setting the bar for the lowest ratings ever. Despite a slight rebound over the next couple of years, the decline continued, with this year’s numbers reflecting a significant shift in how the public views the Oscars.

In 1997, the Academy Awards were watched by over 60 million people. By 2014, the viewership had dropped to about 43 million, and by 2018, it had further declined to 30 million. Now, 2025’s broadcast struggles to even hit 18 million, a troubling indicator of what many view as Hollywood’s increasing irrelevance to mainstream audiences.

The decline in Oscars viewership has not happened overnight. Over the last decade, the growing push for “wokeness” and political correctness in Hollywood has alienated a large portion of its audience. Instead of celebrating universally adored films, the Oscars have increasingly chosen to recognize movies that, while artistically celebrated, fail to resonate with average moviegoers.

For example, this year’s Oscars were dominated by films like Anora, a movie about a sex worker directed by a French filmmaker whose controversial comments about the Spanish language ignited backlash. While Anora took home multiple awards, including Best Picture, it also sparked debates among many in the audience, especially after Zoe Saldaña, who won Best Supporting Actress, dismissed criticisms of the film from Mexican journalists, telling one to “go f*** yourself.”

While Hollywood celebrates “diversity” and “representation” in increasingly divisive ways, they fail to connect with the everyday American who just wants to be entertained without the incessant social messaging. Audiences are growing weary of Hollywood’s constant focus on what they deem to be politically correct and socially just narratives. Instead of celebrating the art of cinema, the Oscars seem to have veered into the realm of activism, leaving many viewers feeling disconnected.

This year, the Oscars also faced significant technical difficulties. The live-streaming on Hulu, which was supposed to expand the broadcast’s reach, was plagued with glitches. Viewers across the country reported problems with the live stream, which only added to the event’s frustrating experience. Despite these efforts to reach a broader audience, the ratings continued to spiral downward.

The key issue at the heart of this backlash is the growing perception that Hollywood is out of touch with the American public. Many have pointed to the Oscars’ recent choices to honor films with overtly political or controversial messages, while neglecting universally beloved blockbusters or classic cinema. Fans feel that the Oscars no longer represent them, but instead reflect the tastes of a small, elite group of filmmakers and industry insiders who are more interested in pushing social agendas than in honoring true artistic achievement.

The drop in viewership this year is a clear message from the public to Hollywood: the audience is fed up. The entertainment industry’s obsession with “woke” ideals, from the films nominated to the speeches given during the ceremony, has alienated many long-time supporters. People are tired of being lectured on what they should think, feel, or believe by celebrities who are disconnected from the realities most people face.

The final numbers reflect what many have suspected for some time—Hollywood’s golden age is fading. With more people opting out of the Oscars broadcast and turning to alternative forms of entertainment, the once-revered event has become a shadow of its former self.

In response to this decline, there have been calls for a return to the fundamentals of filmmaking—movies that entertain, inspire, and unite audiences, without constantly forcing political messaging into the mix. Critics argue that it’s time for Hollywood to stop pretending that they know better than the average viewer and start focusing on what truly matters: great storytelling, captivating performances, and a genuine love for cinema.

The Oscars’ plummeting ratings serve as a wake-up call for the entertainment industry. If the Academy Awards and Hollywood in general want to remain relevant, they’ll need to reassess their approach. For now, the message is clear: viewers are rejecting the endless stream of political agendas in favor of entertainment that speaks to everyone, not just a select few. The Oscars, like the rest of Hollywood, will need to listen if they want to regain their place in the hearts of viewers.

Will Hollywood change its ways, or is this the beginning of a long slide into irrelevance? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—the backlash against the “woke” culture is here to stay.