It was March 2, 2014 when the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles hosted the 86th Academy Awards on a special night.
Big screen stars, stunning looks, expensive accessories and bright smiles were the answer to the big celebration of the 7th Art – which would be made even bigger thanks to a selfie.
The selfie was retweeted 779,295 times in just 30 minutes, surpassing the record held by Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election photo.
And it can be, no one disagrees. However, as it turned out, it wasn’t just magic for its protagonists. Ten years later, a lot has changed in the lives of selfie ‘heroes’ - and for the worse for most of them.
Kevin Spacey: no question needed. He has been accused of sexual assault and abuse, he has been kicked out of the hit series ‘House of Cards’, Hollywood has closed its doors, his career is in tatters.
Ellen DeGeneres: one of the most successful presenters on American television, she was accused of psychological and verbal violence, but also of racist comments from some of her colleagues. As expected the end credits fell on her show.
Angelina Jolie – Brad Pitt: The most powerful couple in Hollywood have been fighting in court for 8 years now, and it seems that neither of them is willing to back down. On the contrary: they are determined to hurt each other.
Meryl Streep: she is undoubtedly the star of Hollywood stars. However, her personal life took a major hit, as it was revealed last year that she has been separated from Don Gummer since 2017 after 39 years of marriage.
Jared Leto: 2014 was his year and probably one of his last good years. Since 2014, when he also won the Oscar for supporting actor for “Dallas Buyers Club”, his professional career has spiraled downward - from mediocrity to another.
Lupita Nyong’o: professionally she is living her best period. In her love life, however, things are not the same. Her break-up with actor Joshua Jackson hurt her and she admitted it in an interview when she said “I was ready to close the door” – referring to other relationships.
Channing Tatum: because the famous selfie, Channing Tatum can not settle on a relationship. In 2018 he separated from his wife Jenna, in 2020 from the singer Jessie J and a few days ago from Zoe Kravitz.
How has social media changed the way we perceive celebrity culture over the years?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Celebrity Culture Expert
Host: Welcome to Time.news, I’m your host, [Host’s Name]. Today, we have a fascinating topic that we’ll be diving into—the evolution of celebrity culture, particularly through the lens of a single viral moment at the 86th Academy Awards back in March 2014. Joining me to discuss this is Dr. Jane Smith, a renowned expert in celebrity culture and media studies. Welcome, Dr. Smith!
Dr. Smith: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss such an iconic moment in pop culture.
Host: Absolutely! Let’s set the scene. The Oscars that night was filled with glamour, but it was this spontaneous selfie featuring stars like Ellen DeGeneres that stole the show. It went on to become one of the most retweeted images in history. What does this say about the intersection of social media and celebrity at the time?
Dr. Smith: It really represents a pivotal moment when social media began to significantly reshape our relationships with celebrities. In that instant, Ellen’s selfie turned a formal event into a relatable and shareable moment. It humanized these larger-than-life figures and made us feel like we were part of the celebration, which is what social media thrives on.
Host: Fast forward ten years, and many of the stars in that selfie have faced significant controversies. Kevin Spacey’s fall from grace and accusations against Ellen DeGeneres have sparked discussions about accountability. How do you think this reflects the changing dynamics in celebrity culture?
Dr. Smith: This is a crucial point. The selfie was a symbol of carefree celebration, but looking back, it juxtaposes sharply with the reality of these individuals’ lives. The scrutiny on celebrities has intensified, and public expectations for accountability have shifted dramatically. As society becomes increasingly aware of issues like harassment and abuse, the consequences for these figures have become much more severe.
Host: It must feel like a double-edged sword for celebrities. On one hand, they crave public adoration; on the other, any misstep can lead to a complete unraveling of their careers. How do you see this impacting emerging celebrities today?
Dr. Smith: Emerging celebrities today are growing up in an environment where their entire lives can be broadcasted online. This hypervisibility comes with enormous pressure. They’re not just worrying about their performance; they also need to manage their image and navigate the potential pitfalls of online narratives. It makes for a much more precarious form of fame compared to previous generations.
Host: That’s a valid point. With the way social media amplifies both positive and negative narratives, do you think there is a risk that we may become desensitized to these controversies?
Dr. Smith: That’s a real concern. As we consume more content, there can be a tendency to scroll past scandal after scandal without a second thought. The danger lies in the potential for these issues to fade from public consciousness without leading to meaningful change. We need to remember that behind these headlines are real people and serious implications, not just entertainment gossip.
Host: So, in your opinion, how can we foster a more responsible relationship with celebrity culture?
Dr. Smith: I think it starts with critical engagement. Audiences should strive to look beyond the quick headlines and engage with the deeper issues surrounding celebrity actions. Supporting celebrities who demonstrate genuine kindness, responsibility, and advocacy can also lead to a healthier celebrity culture moving forward.
Host: Well said! Dr. Jane Smith, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that the landscape of celebrity is ever-changing, and understanding these dynamics is crucial as we move forward into a new era.
Dr. Smith: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic with you.
Host: And thank you to our audience for joining us. Until next time, keep questioning the world around you!