Of course politics has a lot to do with it. But there’s also the fact that no one wants to stay up to find out what movie they’ll never see wins Best Picture. Hollywood seems to have lost the ability to make films that are both artistically and financially successful. Or even just fun to watch (I can’t stand superhero movies). Not only can’t they make a Godfather anymore, they can’t even make a Titanic or a Gladiator.
Joaquin Phoenix said he doesn’t care if people come to his movies. I think part of the collapse is this attitude toward the people who PAY MONEY to see movies. The actors don’t care if we come to the movies? Ok with us; we won’t waste our money.
The last Oscars I watched was in 1993 (I think) when “Saving Private Ryan” went up against “Shakespeare In Love”, and “Shakespeare In Love” won best picture.
Never watched one after that.