The 98th annual Academy Awards attracted 17.86 million viewers on ABC and Hulu, marking the lowest viewership since 2022. This figure is a decrease of 9% from last year’s 19.7 million, which had been the highest in five years.
The telecast received a 3.92 rating among adults aged 18 to 49, down from last year’s 4.54, but up from the 2024 rating of 3.82. Despite this decline, the Academy Awards remains the top primetime entertainment program of the 2025-2026 season, according to Disney.
The drop in viewership for Sunday night’s event, hosted by Conan O’Brien, aligns with trends seen in other award shows this winter. The Golden Globes fell by 6% to 8.66 million viewers, while the Grammys also dropped 6% to 14.4 million.
These ratings are based on Nielsen’s extensive data ratings. The Oscars were still the most-watched programme of the night in various demographics.
ABC noted a 42.4% increase in social media impressions this year, reaching over 184 million. The Academy’s social platforms also grew to 21.6 million followers, up from 19.7 million last year, including more than 129 million video views during the event.
This year’s drop in viewership is the first in five years. Following the pandemic, the ceremony saw growth, peaking at 19.7 million in 2025.
O’Brien received praise for his hosting, leading Disney Television’s Rob Mills to suggest he could continue in the role if he chose to.
“One Battle After Another” won six Oscars, including Best Picture, and “Sinners” received four, with Michael B. Jordan winning Best Actor.
Disney will continue to broadcast the Oscars on ABC and Hulu until 2028, after which the ceremony will move to YouTube starting in 2029.
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