The Oscars used to be one of the biggest TV events every year, but now fewer people are watching it. The 2026 Oscars still got attention, but many viewers chose not to watch the full show. Instead, people are now following the event through social media or short clips online.

One main reason for this change is how people watch content today. Instead of sitting through a long show, many prefer quick highlights on apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. These platforms show the most important moments, like winners and speeches, within minutes. Because of this, people feel like they don’t need to watch the entire event anymore.

“I didn’t watch it live; I just saw clips after,” said junior Maximo Biasutto. “It’s way easier and faster.”

Another reason fewer people are watching is because the Oscars can feel long and slow. The show often lasts several hours, and not everyone has the time or patience to sit through it. Some viewers also say the event can get boring, especially if they don’t know the movies being talked about.

“It’s too long and not that interesting unless you know the nominees,” said junior Isabella Diaz.

Many younger viewers also feel disconnected from the films being nominated. Some of the movies that win awards are not always the most popular with teens, which makes it harder for students to stay interested.

Even though fewer people are watching live, the Oscars are still important in the movie industry. Winning an award can still help a movie become more popular and respected. However, the way people experience the event is clearly changing.

Overall, the Oscars are not as popular as they once were, especially with younger audiences. As technology continues to grow, people are choosing faster and easier ways to stay updated. Because of this, traditional events like the Oscars may continue to lose viewers in the future.