Oscars Ratings Dip to 17.9 Million Viewers, Marking Lowest Audience Since 2022
The 98th Academy Awards faced a downward trend in viewership this year, as the telecast drew 17.86 million total viewers across ABC and Hulu. According to Nielsen data, the ceremony saw a 9 percent decline compared to the previous year’s broadcast, which attracted 19.69 million viewers, making it the least-watched Oscars ceremony since 2022.
Despite the dip in traditional linear numbers, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences remains in a dominant position within the awards season landscape. Sunday night’s telecast, hosted for the first time by veteran late-night personality Conan O’Brien, more than doubled the performance of the Golden Globes in both total viewers and key demographics.
A Shift from the “Barbenheimer” Peak
Industry analysts point to several factors regarding the viewership decline. Last year’s ceremony benefited from the massive cultural momentum of the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, with blockbusters Barbie and Oppenheimer driving significant mainstream interest. While the 98th Oscars featured critical darlings and notable wins, it lacked a singular, high-grossing box office juggernaut to anchor the casual viewing audience.
The 17.86 million figure represents a return to the post-pandemic “new normal” for award shows, which have struggled to regain the 20-million-plus audiences seen in the mid-2010s. However, the figures are still a significant improvement over the record low of 2021, when the pandemic-restricted ceremony plummeted to just 10.4 million viewers.
The Conan O’Brien Effect
The choice of Conan O’Brien as host was largely met with critical acclaim, with many praising his sharp wit and seasoned ability to handle a live broadcast. While the hosting change did not lead to a ratings spike, it provided a steady hand for a telecast that has experimented with various formats and multiple hosts in recent years. O’Brien’s opening monologue and comedic segments were widely shared on social media, indicating a strong digital footprint that isn’t always captured in overnight Nielsen ratings.
The broadcast also marked a continued emphasis on streaming accessibility. By making the show available on Hulu in addition to the ABC linear broadcast, the Academy continues to pivot toward a fragmented media landscape where traditional cable and satellite subscriptions are in decline.
Looking Toward the Centennial
As the Academy approaches its landmark 100th anniversary in two years, the pressure to maintain relevancy remains high. While the 9 percent drop is a setback after two years of consecutive growth, the Oscars remain the most-watched entertainment special of the year, outperforming rival ceremonies like the Grammys and the Emmys by substantial margins.
The Academy and ABC will likely look to lean further into digital integration and star-heavy presentations as they begin planning for the 99th and 100th editions of the show, hoping to recapture the double-digit growth seen during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.