How often do you watch The Academy Awards? According to Variety, the “2023 Oscars attracted an average audience of 18.8 million viewers.” That is just about five and a half percent of the United States Population, one in eighteen Americans. Compare that to the Super Bowl, in which Nielsen said, “An estimated 113.06 million viewers were tuned in for Super Bowl LVII.” That is thirty-three percent of the United States population, or one in three Americans. 

​    Now, why do these numbers matter? Very often, when nominations come out for the selected movies, actors, and actresses to have a chance to win an Oscar (the award given out at the Academy Awards), there is always some drama. In the past, you have had movies like Singin’ in the Rain, Citizen Kane, and Goodfellas. Actors like Judy Garland and Peter O’Toole and Directors John Hughes, Spike Lee, and Stanley Kubrick have either been only nominated or never won an Oscar. This caused fans and even people in the film industry to recoil at the academy's decision and question their relevance in the blockbuster age of films. Check out this clip show with scenes from movies and directors that have been snubbed in the past. 

  Dan Watanabe is a former television executive who has worked for big companies like Fremantle (American Idol, Baywatch, Price is Right) and Scotty Brothers Entertainment. Dan is now teaching at the college level, imparting his experience and knowledge to the next generation of filmmakers. When asked how Dan felt about the award show, he said, “They play a crucial role in not only recognizing excellence but also in influencing film trends, box office successes, and global cinema culture.” He added, “ However, it's important to recognize the criticism and controversies that have surrounded the awards over the years, including issues of diversity and inclusion, the voting process, and the relevance of the awards in changing times.” 
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    This year is no different. When the Academy Awards released the list of nominees, and missing from that list were director Greta Gerwig and lead actor Margot Robbie from the movie Barbie, the movie's fans were shocked by their absence in the respective categories. Greta Gerwig did receive a nomination in the writing (adapted screenplay) category for Barbie. Sean Miller, a current Hollywood producer, commented on the lead actress and director snub by saying, “Even though Barbie did not get the top nominations, the movie still got seven other nominations.” Sean brings us a valid point: the film was still seen in other categories because it did not receive the top awards.

    Dan had this to say on the Academy Awards snubs in the past: "These oversights—where deserving performances or films are not nominated or do not win—highlight the subjective nature of the awards and the complexities of the voting process.” This is something audiences need to remember when watching the awards shows. When commenting directly on the Barbie sunb, Dan said, “Snubs often lead to important conversations about the industry's standards, the need for broader representation, and the evolving landscape of cinema. They can highlight emerging trends or overlooked genres and talents, pushing for a more inclusive and representative recognition in future ceremonies.”

    The Academy Awards face a viewership problem, and many people do not tune in or pay attention. Sean Miller, a working Hollywood Producer, said, “The value of our work in the film industry is also measured by the impact we have on our audiences, the stories we tell, and the conversations we start. When asked what the Oscars meant to Sean, he said, “They are a part of that, but not the whole picture.”

    Dan echoed Sean and compared the two sides of the Academy Awards. He commented on why they matter: "The Oscars continue to be the most prestigious and well-known film awards, drawing global attention to celebrated films and talents. They have the power to boost careers, influence box office earnings, and set industry standards for excellence.” Dan then compared that to how they are being challenged, saying, “the rise of streaming services, the diversification of media consumption habits, and the growing importance of social media in shaping public opinions about films challenge the traditional Oscar campaign and ceremony formats.”

    The Oscar nominations and debates are still ongoing as we are in the middle of another year of the awards season. Facing dwindling viewership and criticism over their relevance in the blockbuster era, should the Academy bend to the loud voices of the famous film or hold on to their tradition and slowly fade out of existence just left to preserve film history? Dan had these parting words: “I believe the Academy Awards remain relevant as a celebration of cinematic art, offering a moment for the industry to reflect on its achievements and for audiences around the world to discover and appreciate outstanding films. However, their continued relevance will depend on the Academy's ability to adapt to the changing industry, embrace new forms of storytelling, and truly represent the global diversity of cinema.”

   During a time when artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool but a potential creator, the entertainment industry is facing a groundbreaking shift. Recent developments have seen AI step into roles traditionally reserved for human talent, from writing scripts to performing voice-overs in video games. This transition, while technologically impressive, has sparked a complex debate around copyright, creativity, and the very definition of authorship. 
​    Imagine playing the new Grand Theft Auto, or Pokémon game voiced and created by artificial intelligence. As reported by Sotto Voce, “The Screen Actor's Guild made the controversial choice to sign a deal to allow AI-generated voice performances in video games, and it's unclear who it consulted with to reach that decision.” A statement put out by the Screen Actors Guild says “(the) contract marks an important step towards the ethical use of AI voices in creative projects by game developers, and sets the basis for fair and equitable employment of voice actors as they explore the new revenue opportunities provided by AI.” As there are few details around this deal, it is interesting to look at how artificial intelligence has faired in the courts. 
    There was an attempt to credit A.I. for inventing things in Thaler v. Vidal, but the United States Court of Appeals denied it. The court ruled that, “Congress has determined that only a natural person can be an inventor, so AI cannot be.” This has taken away any potential for artificial inelegance owning any inventions it can come up with. Along the same line The copyright office has also denied granting a copyright to an artwork by Artist Matthew Allen. Kate Knibbs, reported that, “The Copyright Office agreed that the parts of the painting that Allen had altered with Adobe constituted original work. However, it maintained that other parts generated by AI could not be copyrighted.” This raises the question; how will Hollywood studios deal with using AI-generated content like scripts and even actors? Without being able to copyright the content, it will most likely be available for anyone to use.
    Considering ​ these developments, the entertainment industry stands at a crossroads. Integrating AI into creative domains like gaming and film production raises profound questions about originality, ownership, and the role of human creativity in the digital age. While AI can augment and enhance the creative process, the legal system currently emphasizes the distinction between human and machine-generated content. As stated by Randy McCarthy in a PCMag article “A class of AI-generated works could be eligible to receive copyright protection, so long as the human applicants can document and thoroughly explain their contributions to the US Copyright Office,” this distinction is crucial for preserving the rights and recognition of human creators while navigating the uncharted waters of AI-assisted creativity.
​    As we move forward, the industry must balance the innovative potential of AI with the ethical and legal considerations it raises. The role of AI in creative projects is not just a technical or legal issue but a cultural one, reflecting our evolving relationship with technology. The decisions made by studios, unions, and lawmakers will not only shape the future of entertainment but also define the boundaries of human and AI collaboration in art. 

     I met Emmy on a production set starring and produced by the same person. It was not the best set I have been on, safe to say, but when you have a fantastic assistant director like Emmy, the whole production runs smoother for those unfamiliar with what an assistant director does. The Assistant Director on a film set is responsible for scheduling and planning the shoot, managing on-set operations, and ensuring that all departments are synchronized and adhere to the director's vision. They play a crucial role in communication, timekeeping, and maintaining safety protocols as a vital link between the director and the crew. I met Emmy to discuss her time in the film and television industry. 
     Emmy’s career is a testament to the seismic shifts in Hollywood. “The industry has undergone significant changes,” she reflects. The rise of streaming platforms, technological advancements, and a growing focus on diversity and inclusion mark the new era of filmmaking. Emmy has witnessed firsthand the impact of the #MeToo movement, which brought much-needed attention to harassment and gender inequality. “It’s been a time of reckoning, reflection, and, importantly, action,” she said. I remember reaching out to Emmy when many women in Hollywood were coming out with their stories, and she told me that she experienced what others have, and that opened my eyes to how bad the problem was. 
     Looking at the current makeup of the television industry using the 2023 Hollywood Diversity Report published by the UCLA Entertainment & Media Research Initiative (see graph to the right), this chart shows how many females were in creative roles on cable shows in 2022. There were still twice as many males in the same roles as females, so as there is progress happening in 2023, we are still dealing with a majority male-dominated industry. 
     In Emmy’s current role, she champions inclusivity, advocating for equitable talent discovery and development. She emphasizes creating more inclusive pathways for underrepresented groups, ensuring their growth and success in the industry. “Democratizing how we discover and nurture talent can dismantle long-standing inequalities,” she said. Emmy offers excellent advice for those aspiring to follow in her footsteps: build a strong foundation, develop leadership skills, and advocate for oneself. “Be a role model,” she says, emphasizing mentoring and supporting others.
     One of Emmys’ biggest motivators in the industry has been Ava DuVernay, a talented filmmaker and director who has not only broken barriers but has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion. DuVernay's success in a predominantly white and male industry has been inspiring. Her work, particularly films like "Selma" and the series "Queen Sugar," has showcased the power of diverse storytelling and the impact it can have. Emmy finds inspiration in DuVernay's accomplishments and dedication to advocating for underrepresented voices. Emmy added, “If given the chance, I would love to work on one of Ava DuVernay's sets.” 
     After our interview, I am reminded why I enjoy working with and talking to Emmy. She's always been a vital figure onset, as well as in the culture of Hollywood. Hearing her perspective and stories shows how Hollywood has operated and where it is potentially going. People and voices like Emmy give a positive outlook on the Film and television industry.