Squiz Today Squiz Shortcuts: The business of the Oscars
Mar 10, 2026
A look at the Oscars moving to YouTube and what that means for reach and relevance. A clear explanation of how voting and nominations actually work. Discussion of ratings decline, social media virality and the red carpet’s huge commercial power. Exploration of how nominations and wins change actors' pay and market value.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Oscars Still Hold Industry Prestige
- The Oscars remain the most prestigious film awards despite changing audience habits and lower TV ratings.
- Hosts Andrew Williams and Alice Dempster note historical cultural weight and that Oscars still boost industry standing even as viewing shifts online.
Ratings Fell But Social Reach Rose
- TV broadcast ratings have fallen from 57 million in 1998 to lows in 2021, but social and second-screen engagement remains strong.
- Andrew Williams contrasts collapsed linear viewers with viral moments like Will Smith's slap and red carpet fashion driving online attention.
Oscars Move To YouTube For Global Youth Reach
- The Academy will stream the Oscars exclusively on YouTube from 2029 to reach younger global audiences and simplify distribution.
- Andrew explains YouTube is effectively the biggest TV network for under-35s and offers built-in captioning and translation.