Film
A Snapshot of the Oscars’ Struggle for Relevance
- Ratings have declined for years, even as ad rates stay strong
- Best picture winners see sales bump, but diversity still lags
Photographer: Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images
The Oscars remain a cash cow for Walt Disney Co.’s ABC network and a driver of box-office sales for the movies that get big nominations.
But each year, fewer and fewer people watch the awards ceremony on TV -- and those who do see a room packed with white, male directors and producers.