Oscars Telecast Sees 9 Percent Viewership Decrease

The 98th annual Academy Awards saw a notable dip in television viewership this year, as ratings fell 9 percent.

According to Nielsen data released by The Walt Disney Co. on March 17, the Oscars drew just under 17.9 million viewers across ABC and streaming on Hulu, a decline from 19.7 million the previous year.

The decrease marks the Dolby Theatre ceremony’s lowest audience since 2022, following several years of post-pandemic recovery. In 2021, the award show saw an all-time low with only 10.4 million viewers.

The figures among younger viewers were another troubling sign, with the key demographic of adults aged 18-49 shrinking by 14 percent. Over the years, TV audiences have shifted to streaming services or social media when tuning in to the telecast.

Despite the downturn, the Oscars remain the most-watched primetime entertainment telecast of the current season. In comparison, this year’s Golden Globe awards dropped 7 percent in viewership, drawing 8.7 million total viewers.

Primetime social engagement for the Oscars increased over 42 percent this year, which included over 129 million video views on its social media platforms throughout Hollywood’s biggest night.

After a well-received debut in 2025, Conan O’Brien returned as host, which featured a competitive race between two fan-favorite films.

The film “One Battle After Another” emerged victorious, receiving six Oscar awards, including best picture and best director. Meanwhile, top contender “Sinners” earned four awards, with actor Michael B. Jordan taking home best actor in a leading role for the horror/action film.

“I stand here because of the people that came before me: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith,” Jordan said during his acceptance speech on March 15.

“To be amongst those giants, amongst those great greats, amongst my ancestors, amongst my guys,” he continued. “Thank you, everybody in this room and everybody at home for supporting me over my career.

“I feel it. I know you guys want me to do well, and I want to do that because you guys bet on me.”

Throughout the 1990s, the Oscars would generate a high of around 45 million viewers, with an all-time high of more than 57 million viewers in 1998, when “Titanic” won best picture.

Looking ahead, the Academy is already planning a transition from its traditional broadcast approach. Beginning in 2029, the event is expected to move to YouTube for its 101st awards after retaining global streaming rights through the year 2033.

“We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming,” said Academy Chief Executive Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor at the time of the announcement.

“The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible—which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.