Kristina Roberts
Award shows were having a tough time for the past few years. People weren’t watching as much, some hosts didn’t do a great job, and there were big onstage mistakes—like the time Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars. But now, things are changing. Award shows are becoming popular again, and people are excited to watch them.
The numbers prove it. The 97th Academy Awards had more viewers than any Oscars since 2020. Other big shows like the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critics Choice Awards also saw more people tuning in this year.
One reason for this comeback is streaming. Now, people can watch award shows live online, not just on TV. But that’s not the only reason. The shows themselves have become more fun and interesting. They’ve found a way to make people care again.
Before the pandemic, award shows were getting boring. The speeches were long, the winners were predictable, and everything felt too serious. People stopped watching because it wasn’t exciting anymore. But then, something changed.
Ryan Gosling, the actor from Barbie, helped bring back the fun. At the 2024 Oscars, he wore a shiny pink suit covered in rhinestones and sang his hit song “I’m Just Ken.” His performance was full of energy, and everyone loved it. It was one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Another person who made award shows entertaining was Kieran Culkin. He won awards for his role in Succession, and his speeches were always funny and real. Instead of just thanking people in a boring way, he joked around and made the audience laugh.
Nikki Glaser, a comedian, also helped. When she hosted the Golden Globes, she was sharp and hilarious. She didn’t hold back, and people loved her honesty. Her jokes were clever but never mean, which made the show feel fresh.
These three—Ryan Gosling, Kieran Culkin, and Nikki Glaser—showed that award shows don’t have to be stiff and formal. They can be fun, surprising, and full of personality.
Another reason people are watching again is that the shows feel more relatable. Celebrities aren’t just reading scripts—they’re being themselves. When winners give speeches, they sound like real people, not just actors following a script.
Social media also plays a big part. Moments from award shows go viral instantly. A funny speech, a great performance, or even a surprising win gets shared everywhere. People who didn’t watch the show live still see the best parts online.
The producers of these shows have learned their lesson. They know that if they want people to keep watching, they need to keep things exciting. That means better hosts, more entertaining performances, and moments that people will remember.Award shows aren’t just about giving out trophies anymore. They’re about putting on a great show. And right now, they’re doing a really good job.
