The Oscar nominees for Best Picture came out yesterday. Richard Rushfield provided a quick reaction, focusing on how the Oscars — be it the nominations or the ceremony the awards are being delivered in— represent Hollywood’s inexorable drive towards increasingly esoteric films that the average viewer doesn’t necessarily want to see…or even will see.

On the whole, I share Richard’s concerns. Over the last 10 years, the Academy has nominated increasingly less popular films for Best Picture, as measured by box office draw. Or even streaming ratings, as I pointed out last year.

But here’s a bit of good news. Certainly for ABC, who’s broadcasting the Oscars, and for anyone who care about the longevity of the awards.

The field this year is definitely more popular than the field last year!

Is it the most popular field of all time? Or even since 2009? No way. But compared to the tiny films nominated last year, it’s a step up. Here, let me show you: