And the winner is ...

Movie attendance is down, creating a concern for Hollywood. And there may be a disconnect between Oscar voters and the wider population: A documentary about penguins drew a bigger audience than all five movies in the Academy's "Best Picture" category. So the Business Journal asks:

Do you watch more or less of the Oscars than you used to?

Angela S. Haskins

Partner

Baker Keener & Nahra LLP 

I've never really watched the Oscars. But this year I will be interested because of Reese Witherspoon's nomination in "I Walk The Line." The reason I don't watch the Oscars much is that the awards leading up to it dictate the outcome, so it seems like such a pretense. The Screen Actors Guild awards seem much more genuine. Besides, with the Oscars, a small group of people who are not even identifiable make a decision for the entire world and nobody else has a say in it. I actually watch movies outside more these days but that is because I have friends who work at studios and can get me into the set or studio itself. Watching a movie at an average movie theater is just not enjoyable these days.

Scott Sternberg

President

Scott Sternberg Productions

I watch the Oscars the same amount--it's not any different for me. There are two things that I enjoy about the Oscar presentations. One is the red carpet, which has a good amount of fashion and excitement. The other part is the acceptance speeches. But I go to the movies less now unless I really want the screen experience. Sometimes the storytelling, especially now in the independent arena, is just as satisfying for me at home.

Andrew Lauren

Chairman and CEO 

Andrew Lauren Productions

Watching the Oscars has always been a family pastime. We print out ballots, order some deli and hope to pick the winners. But I am getting tired of the silliness of the red carpet. I know it's par for the course for actors and actresses to hire out stylists. I'm bored with the "What are you wearing?" question. What happened to personal style and the glamour of elusiveness? I'm a fan of the movie star code and the golden age of Hollywood. As for watching these movies, nothing compares to the experience of watching them in the theater. But popcorn eaters have gotten louder. I always thought that popcorn should be banned from movie houses. It's very distracting. I am into my Netflix lately. There are so many movies coming out, it is hard to catch them all.

Barry Snyder

Principal

House Gadget

I am still an avid Oscar watcher. I used to be in the theater business and now I am in the technology business and it has still not fallen off. I know a lot of the people who are up for the Oscar. They are colleagues and friends so I am interested in the outcome and knowing what the Academy considers good work. I certainly like seeing all the industry people on the carpet, new faces and occasional surprises. Somebody may pull off something that is different. I also like watching the technology awards section.

Olivia Bartel Leigh

Vice President, Risk Management

Macerich Co.

I watch the Oscars less these days. When I went to the movies more I could make intelligent decisions about them so I had a greater interest in watching. Recently I have not been to a grownup movie because I have a child, so if the presentations are about "Harry Potter" or "School of Rock" movie, then I might weigh in. Now I watch only the red carpet telecast for the dresses. I do get the highlights on MSNBC. I feel the obligation to watch at least that, as someone from Southern California.