Is there an Oscar media backlash?

Obviously this is a odd Oscar year, what with the near-absence of major studio releases contending for big awards, and (relatedly, of course) the smaller-than-usual box office upswing for the nominees, not to mention the sprouting of so, so, so much internet chatter and gay cowboy jokes. (By the way, how many gay cowboys does it take to change a light bulb? Answer in an upcoming post once I figure out a clever one.)