An Oscar moment for Culver's

Some retailers and product manufacturers are passing on the Oscars this year. But not Culver's.

Pre-show Oscar viewers on E! will see a 60-second Culver's restaurant spot. And during the ABC telecast, Culver's has popped for a 30-second spot.

According to Advertising Age, Craig Culver, CEO of Culver Franchising System, wants to raise the national profile of the restaurant company, which currently has 395 units in 17 states (including the Kansas City area).

Ad Age suggests that some traditional advertisers on the Oscars are opting out this year for two reasons -- their own budget cuts and fears that the audience won't be as large as some years.

This year's most-nominating pictures haven't been big box office draws, suggesting that interest in the annual awards show won't be as high as when blockbuster shows are nominated.

Culver is among those who think otherwise. If people aren't out spending money, they're probably home watching television -- and they'll watch the Oscars whether they went out to the movies or not.