No one is telling the public what to like. It's what the artists feel is their best work. Take it for whatever that's worth. It would be like all the Victorian novelists getting together once a year to choose their best work. Inherently fascinating. If you want to know what the 'common man' likes look at the People's Choice Awards which celebrate dreck year after year.
Many actors would much rather have the dreadful People's Choice award than the stodgy political academy choice.
True success is measured by your audience.
I think early in many careers they look at the money & the fame.. later they think legacy & chose better roles.
They realize their limitations/competition & go for more quality & less work.
Some of them are wise investors.. some of them spend every cent that they get (just like we "regular" people)
Be back shortly....My furnace went out just before the awards went on. 3rd time in a few weeks. Fortunately it is 30 degrees here.. not sub zero like the first time w were w/o furnace for 3 days & the house got down to 38!