The 98th Academy Awards attracted 17.86 million viewers this year, marking the lowest number since 2022. This is a 9% drop from last year’s 19.7 million viewers, which was the highest in five years.
Among adults aged 18-49, the Oscars had a rating of 3.92, down from last year’s 4.54 but up from the 2024 score of 3.82. Even with this decline, it still topped primetime entertainment ratings for the 2025-2026 season.
This year’s broadcast, hosted by Conan O’Brien, experienced similar viewer drops as other major awards shows. For instance, the Golden Globes saw a 6% decrease, going down to 8.66 million viewers in January, and the Grammys also fell by 6% to 14.4 million in February.
Interestingly, while the viewer numbers dipped, social media buzz surged. ABC reported a 42.4% increase in social interactions, totaling over 184 million. Academy social media platforms saw their engagement rise, reaching 21.6 million compared to 19.7 million last year, with over 129 million video views throughout the night.
This year marks the first decline in viewership since 2021, when only 10.4 million tuned in, partially due to COVID-19. The following years saw a steady increase: 16.6 million in 2022, 18.8 million in 2023, 19.5 million in 2024, and 19.7 million in 2025.
Conan O’Brien received praise for his hosting, with Walt Disney Television’s Rob Mills suggesting he could continue in the role if he chooses.
In terms of awards, “One Battle After Another” took home six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. “Sinners” also performed well, winning four Oscars, with Michael B. Jordan earning Best Actor.
Looking ahead, Disney has the Oscars broadcast rights until 2028, after which YouTube will take over starting with the 101st ceremony in 2029, holding the rights until at least 2033.
For more detailed insights, you can reference Nielsen’s ratings and social media statistics. They provide a clear picture of how the awards show is evolving in today’s digital age, highlighting shifting viewer habits and engagement trends.
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