Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Awards-Season Movies Struggle Amid Digital Distractions
This fall, many movies hoping to win awards are having a hard time getting people to watch them.
People are too busy playing video games, watching YouTube, or shopping to go to the movies.
Even people who vote for awards are having trouble focusing on the movies.
Some movies are not being watched because they are too complicated or artsy.
Some people also miss going to the theater to watch movies.
Movies have struggled to attract audiences this awards season
Audiences are distracted by digital entertainment like video games and streaming services
Academy members face challenges in focusing on award candidates
Some movies have been dismissed by audiences for being too cerebral or artsy
Theater experience is missed by some filmgoers who watch movies at home
- Who
- Movie studios and audiences
- What
- Struggling to engage with award-season movies
- When
- This fall
- Where
- In theaters and at home
- Why
- Audiences are distracted by digital entertainment and some movies are not appealing to them
Pro-theater experience
Pro-home viewing
Theater experience
Pro-theater experience
Some filmgoers miss the theater experience, like shooting, editing, and hanging out
Pro-home viewing
N/A
- Number of wannabe hits this fall
- 25
- Percentage of Academy members outside the U.S.
- 25%
- Release date of Jay Kelly
- December 5