The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, attracted 18.07 million viewers across ABC and streaming partner Hulu, marking a 7% drop from last year’s 19.5 million. Despite still being the most-watched primetime entertainment event of the season, the decline comes as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences reportedly considers shifting the broadcast away from ABC after its contract expires in 2028.
How do the latest Oscar numbers compare?
The Oscars have seen a sharp decline in viewership over the years. Just five years ago, the ceremony pulled in 23.6 million viewers, and in the early 2000s, it consistently reached over 40 million. The highest-ever viewership was in 1998, when Titanic won Best Picture, drawing a massive 57.25 million audience. The steady decline reflects shifting viewing habits and a changing entertainment landscape.
The impact of streaming on Oscar viewership
With more films debuting directly on streaming platforms, interest in theatrical releases—and by extension, the Oscars—has dwindled. While the awards show remains a major television event, the influence of streaming has fractured audiences, leading to lower live viewership numbers. DVR usage and delayed viewing may push total numbers above 20 million, but it remains a far cry from past decades.
Oscar ratings show demographic shifts
While overall viewership declined, ABC reported some positive trends in key demographics. The awards show scored a 3.92 rating among adults 18-49, a 3% increase from last year. Additionally, the event had its highest rating among adults 18-34 (3.17) since 2020. However, even these improved numbers are nowhere near the ratings peak when the Oscars were once considered the “Super Bowl of Entertainment.”
What’s next for the Oscars?
As traditional television struggles with declining viewership, the Academy may explore new distribution deals beyond ABC. The possibility of a streaming-exclusive deal or a new network partner could reshape the future of the Oscars. With its contract expiring in 2028, the Academy is already weighing its options to keep the awards show relevant in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
