In a recent episode of the Las Culturistas podcast, veteran actor Cate Blanchett shared her perspective on the evolving nature of award shows and the impact of modern technology on these events. Reflecting on the past, Blanchett expressed a longing for the days when gatherings were intimate and free from the pervasive presence of recording devices.
She said, "There's so few spaces that you can go now, where you are private. That's what I loved about the late '80s, going to all of the dance parties in Sydney for Mardi Gras. People were just there. They were so present, you know, they were just together, collectively, having a great time. It was non-aggressive. No one was being recorded. No one cared what anyone did."
The conversation delved into the current state of award shows, touching upon the challenges celebrities face with constant public scrutiny. Blanchett addressed the phenomenon of "lip readers," individuals who analyse and publicise private conversations from red carpet events. Expressing her disapproval, she suggested that such individuals should "learn Ikebana or something, like a skill that's actually beautiful," emphasising her desire for a return to privacy.
Further stressing her views on the increasingly public nature of award shows, Blanchett proposed a bold idea. "Go back to the day when it wasn't televised. Bring that back and just have a great party where people can just let go." While acknowledging the appeal of fashion and public interest, she advocated for these celebrations to occur "behind closed doors," allowing attendees to enjoy the event without external pressures.
Televised troubles
The actor's sentiments resonate in light of recent incidents at televised award ceremonies. Notably, the 2022 Oscars were overshadowed by an altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock. During the live broadcast, Smith walked onstage and slapped Rock in response to a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. This unexpected incident sparked widespread controversy and discussions about the pressures and unpredictability of live televised events.
Additionally, technical glitches have marred recent broadcasts. For instance, Hulu's live stream of the Oscars experienced significant issues, cutting out before major awards like Best Actress and Best Picture were announced. This disruption left many viewers frustrated and highlighted the challenges of relying on technology for live events.
Wardrobe malfunctions have also become viral moments, often overshadowing the achievements being celebrated. Amanda Seyfried, for example, experienced a dress mishap at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards, leading to unintended exposure. Such incidents, amplified by social media, can detract from the event's purpose and place undue stress on attendees.
Blanchett's call for more private celebrations raises questions about the balance between public interest and personal privacy. While televised award shows offer fans a glimpse into the glamour of Hollywood, they also subject celebrities to intense scrutiny. The prevalence of social media means that unscripted moments, whether positive or negative, can quickly become global talking points.
Historically, award shows were more exclusive affairs, with limited media coverage. This allowed industry professionals to celebrate without the fear of public judgment or misinterpretation. Reverting to such a format could alleviate some of the pressures associated with modern ceremonies.
However, the public's appetite for real-time content poses a challenge to this notion. Televised events generate significant revenue through advertising and partnerships, making them lucrative for organisers. According to Statista, in the United States alone, TV advertising spending was projected to reach approximately $60.6 billion in 2024. In addition to that, as reported by a marketing executive at Synapse, the 2025 Academy Awards generated approximately $121.5 million in television advertising revenue. Major sporting events, in particular, attract significant advertising investments. Moreover, fans worldwide cherish the opportunity to witness these celebrations, fostering a sense of connection to their favourite artists.
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