Oscars Viewership Sees a Slight Decline This Year

The 2024 Academy Awards, broadcast on ABC, drew an audience of 18 million viewers, according to Nielsen data. This represents an 8% drop from the 19.5 million viewers who tuned in last year. The decline marks the end of a three-year streak of rising ratings for the Oscars. This downward trend aligns with a broader pattern observed in other major award shows, which have seen their viewership growth stagnate or decline in recent months. For instance, the Grammy Awards, held earlier this year, attracted 15.4 million viewers, a 9% decrease from the previous year. Similarly, the Golden Globes in January experienced a modest decline in viewership compared to last year.

Despite the overall drop, ABC noted a 3% increase in viewership among adults under the age of 50, a demographic highly prized by advertisers. This suggests that the Oscars may still be resonating with younger audiences, even as overall viewership declines. The broadcast was also available for live streaming on Hulu, a move that likely helped expand its reach, though the streaming experience was not without its issues.

Streaming Struggles: Hulu’s Live Broadcast Faced Technical Issues

While streaming the Oscars on Hulu was intended to enhance accessibility and boost viewership, the experience was far from seamless. Technical glitches marred the beginning of the broadcast, frustrating viewers who tuned in expecting a smooth and uninterrupted experience. Even more problematic, some Hulu subscribers were abruptly cut off from the feed just as the ceremony was reaching its climax. The abrupt ending occurred shortly before the presentation of the Best Actress and Best Picture awards, two of the most anticipated moments of the evening. An on-screen message informed disappointed viewers, “Thank you for watching! This live event has now ended. You may exit playback and select something else to watch.”

This technical failure raised questions about the reliability of live streaming for major events like the Oscars. While streaming remains a critical component of modern entertainment consumption, such issues undermine its potential to serve as a viable alternative to traditional television broadcasts. Despite these challenges, the Oscars will likely remain among the highest-rated entertainment programs of the year, solidifying their position as a cultural touchstone.

A Mixed Bag: Reception of the Oscars Ceremony

The ceremony itself, hosted by Conan O’Brien, received mostly positive reviews, though not without its criticisms. Vanity Fair praised the event as “the best ceremony in years,” highlighting its energy and pacing. Conversely, Variety argued that the telecast felt “too small for Hollywood’s biggest night,” suggesting that the production may have lacked the grandeur and spectacle typically associated with the Oscars. The ceremony’s length was another point of contention, clocking in at nearly four hours—a duration that, while standard for the Oscars, has been a subject of debate in recent years.

The show’s content and tone were generally well-received, however, with many praising O’Brien’s hosting and the overall flow of the program. Despite the mixed reviews, the Oscars maintain their reputation as the most-watched live awards show, surpassing even the Grammys in terms of viewership and cultural impact. This year’s ceremony, though flawed, underscored the enduring significance of the Oscars in the entertainment industry.

Anora’s Historic Win and the Box Office Contrast

One of the most notable moments of the evening was the victory of Anora, which took home the Best Picture award among its five Oscar wins. However, this achievement came with a caveat: Anora has secured the dubious distinction of having the lowest domestic ticket sales for a Best Picture winner in history, excluding films released during the pandemic. This contrast between critical acclaim and box office performance highlights the evolving landscape of the film industry, where smaller, more niche films are increasingly finding success at the Oscars.

The success of Anora mirrors broader trends in Hollywood, where awards-season contenders often prioritize artistic merit over commercial viability. While this shift has been met with enthusiasm from cinephiles, it also raises questions about the relevance of the Oscars in an era where blockbuster franchises dominate the global box office. Despite these challenges, the Academy continues to champion films that might otherwise fly under the radar, ensuring that diverse storytelling remains at the heart of the industry.

A Glimmer of Hope: Younger Audiences Show Increased Engagement

Amid the overall decline in viewership, there was a silver lining for the Oscars: a 3% increase in ratings among adults under the age of 50. This demographic is particularly valuable to advertisers and networks, as younger viewers are often more engaged with content and more likely to participate in social media conversations around live events. This uptick suggests that the Oscars may be finding ways to connect with a new generation of audiences, even as older viewers tune out.

The rise in younger viewership could be attributed to a variety of factors, including increased promotion on social media platforms, the inclusion of more diverse and contemporary talent, and the growing popularity of streaming platforms like Hulu, which cater to younger audiences. These efforts may help the Oscars maintain their relevance in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. However, the challenge of sustaining this momentum remains, as the ceremony must continue to evolve to meet the expectations of a rapidly changing audience.

The Oscars Remain a Cultural Touchstone

Despite the dip in viewership, the Oscars continue to hold a unique place in popular culture. As one of the most-watched live events in entertainment, the ceremony serves as a celebration of cinematic achievement and a platform for filmmakers to reach a global audience. The Oscars’ enduring appeal lies in their ability to transcend mere entertainment, often sparking conversations about art, identity, and societal issues.

This year’s ceremony, while imperfect, demonstrated the resilience of the Oscars as a cultural institution. Even as the entertainment industry grapples with the challenges of declining viewership and shifting audience habits, the Oscars remain a benchmark of excellence and a symbol of Hollywood’s enduring legacy. As the Academy looks to the future, it will need to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring that the ceremony continues to captivate audiences for years to come.