According to Nielsen, the ratings for the Oscars a year ago fell 16% to an average viewership of 36.6 million. The 88th Academy Awards will be presented this weekend. Walt Disney Co.’s (NYSE: DIS) ABC will televise the event, which is based on nominations from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Oscars may have lost some of its relevance, and this year’s ratings will be telling.
A few things likely will affect the broadcast. The host is a draw. This year it will be comedian Chris Rock. Another factor is the popularity of the films that have been nominated and their stars. It is impossible to predict whether “Mad Max: Fury Road” or “The Revenant” will be big draws, or popular stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence.
Least predictable but perhaps most important to the size of the audience is a large wave of criticism about the total dominance of white nominees. A viewer boycott because of this could significantly diminish the viewership numbers.
Oscar needs a good audience this year but may well not get one.
Are You Still Paying With a Debit Card?
The average American spends $17,274 on debit cards a year, and it’s a HUGE mistake. First, debit cards don’t have the same fraud protections as credit cards. Once your money is gone, it’s gone. But more importantly you can actually get something back from this spending every time you swipe.
Issuers are handing out wild bonuses right now. With some you can earn up to 5% back on every purchase. That’s like getting a 5% discount on everything you buy!
Our top pick is kind of hard to imagine. Not only does it pay up to 5% back, it also includes a $200 cash back reward in the first six months, a 0% intro APR, and…. $0 annual fee. It’s quite literally free money for any one that uses a card regularly. Click here to learn more!
Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings to provide coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.