The number of views the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys (EGOTs) get have been declining for the past three years. According to an article by the New York Times, this year’s viewership of the Oscars dropped 8% compared to last year. The EGOTs are annual award shows that acknowledge different entertainment areas. They occur in Los Angeles, typically in January and February, and are broadcast live on television. Some students don’t have any interest in them.

“I don’t know anything about award shows,” Gloria Mwangi (11) said.

The reason for viewership dropping, could be because the awards are not relevant or not accurately chosen. Senior Mercury Hasty has watched 280 movies in the past year and thinks the awards at these shows are not fairly selected.

“We see this a lot with the academy when after voting ends, they go on anonymous websites and announce that they didn’t look at half the nominees,” Hasty said.

These awards are chosen by different organizations that are specific to each award. According to the Baylor Lariat, these organizations give awards to the year’s most popular people while overlooking the better performers. Hasty agrees and says that the organizations are biased.

“The nominees are often more a popularity and people you know thing instead of the quality of a person’s stuff,” Hasty said.

Award shows also provide a platform for social and political statements. Celebrities have always used their acceptance speeches to address issues, but it’s becoming more prevalent. This is because more work in the industry is being based on political subjects, like the documentary “No Other Land”. 

“In the Oscars this year, a documentary called ‘No Other Land’ was made by Palestinian people about Palestine’s situation,” Hasty said. “Something like that makes a lot of sense to talk about politics because that’s what your whole thing is about.”

Even though celebrities aren’t responsible for using these shows for political statements, the opportunity is missed. Hasty says the acceptance speech for the film “Amelia Perez” was a negative instance.

“This is because the movie was about trans people and they didn’t talk about any of the things going on in politics currently with trans people,” Hasty said.

On the other hand, some students like to watch the EGOTs to see the fashion. Celebrities dress up to showcase their style, collaborate with designers, and get media attention. This offers inspiration to junior Sofia Ulloa.

“The outfits inspire me when I dress up because I like to look at the jewelry,” Ulloa said.

Award shows can also highlight the importance of hard work and dedication. Winning an award is a significant achievement in an artist’s career. 

“Award shows show me the hard work these actors and singers put into their work and how dreams can come true,” Elena Ginie (11) said.

Even though viewership has dropped, the EGOTs have a broad impact. They inspire some, while boring and irritating others. Junior Eva Johnson explains why she anticipates the next award shows.

“I can’t wait to see what celebrities accomplish in the award shows next year, especially Timothee Chalamet,” Johnson said.