A Surge in Oscars Viewership: A Promising Trend for Hollywood’s Biggest Night
The 97th Academy Awards, held on Sunday night, saw a significant surge in viewership, defying expectations that smaller films would equate to smaller audiences. According to figures released by ABC on Tuesday, an estimated 19.7 million viewers tuned in to watch the ceremony, marking the largest audience for the Oscars in five years. This year’s show, hosted by Conan O’Brien, built on the momentum of last year’s 19.5 million viewers, when big hits like Oppenheimer and Barbie dominated the spotlight. Despite Anora—a relatively lesser-seen film—winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, the ceremony still managed to draw in more viewers than in 2024, proving that compelling storytelling and star power can still captivate audiences.
A Younger Audience Boosts Ratings
One of the most notable trends this year was the significant increase in viewership among younger demographics, particularly those aged 18 to 49. This uptick was largely driven by the rise of mobile and laptop viewing, as younger audiences increasingly turn to digital platforms to consume live events. This shift in viewing habits highlights the importance of streaming and online accessibility in reaching a new generation of viewers. The Oscars, often criticized for being out of touch with younger audiences, seems to have struck a chord this year, with many tuning in to see performances by stars like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who opened the show with a mesmerizing act.
The Oscars in Context: A Look at the Numbers Over the Years
While this year’s viewership numbers are encouraging, it’s important to put them into perspective. The Oscars’ ratings have seen dramatic fluctuations over the years, with a peak of 55 million viewers in 1998, when Titanic swept the awards. However, the ceremony began to see a steady decline in viewership starting in 2018, reaching an all-time low of 9.85 million in 2021 during the pandemic. The show began to rebound in 2022, with 16.6 million viewers, thanks in part to the buzz surrounding Will Smith’s infamous slap of Chris Rock. This year’s 19.7 million viewers marks a continued upward trend, though it’s still far from the heights of the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
Technical Hiccups and the Future of Live Streaming
Despite the overall success of this year’s ceremony, there were some notable hiccups, particularly for Hulu users. The streaming platform’s first-time livestream of the Oscars cut off during the final moments of the show, leaving viewers who tuned in digitally unable to watch Mikey Madison’s Best Actress win and Anora’s historic Best Picture victory in real time. While the issue was quickly resolved, it underscored the challenges of live streaming and the importance of ensuring a seamless viewing experience for digital audiences. As more viewers turn to streaming platforms to watch live events, the Oscars—and other awards shows—will need to prioritize technical reliability to maintain their audience’s trust and engagement.
The Oscars Remain a Ratings Powerhouse
Even with the challenges posed by changing viewing habits and the rise of streaming, the Oscars continues to be a major draw, outperforming other awards shows by a significant margin. This year’s 19.7 million viewers far exceeded the 15.4 million who tuned in for the Grammys, solidifying the Oscars’ position as one of the most-watched live events in entertainment. The ceremony’s ability to blend glamour, spectacle, and heartfelt moments continues to resonate with audiences, making it a must-watch event for millions around the world.
The Future of the Oscars: Adapting to a Changing Landscape
While this year’s viewership numbers are a cause for celebration, they also serve as a reminder of the evolving nature of media consumption. With younger audiences increasingly favoring digital platforms and on-demand content, the Oscars will need to continue adapting to these changes to remain relevant. By embracing streaming, engaging with younger talent, and delivering moments that spark conversation, the ceremony can continue to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape. For now, however, the 97th Academy Awards have shown that Hollywood’s biggest night still has the power to captivate and inspire, even in an era of shifting viewership habits.
