The 98th Academy Awards drew 17.86 million viewers across ABC and Hulu, marking the lowest telecast since 2022 and a nine percent decline from last year’s 19.7 million, which had been a five-year high.
The broadcast, hosted by Conan O’Brien, averaged a 3.92 rating among adults aged 18 to 49, down from last year’s 4.54 but slightly up from 2024’s 3.82 rating. Despite the drop, the Oscars remain the number one primetime entertainment telecast of the 2025-2026 season, according to Disney.
Sunday night’s decline reflects a broader trend among awards shows this winter, with the Golden Globes down six percent to 8.66 million viewers in January and the Grammys down six percent to 14.4 million viewers in February. All figures are based on Nielsen ratings. The Oscars still ranked first in total viewers and across all key demographics on Sunday.
Social media engagement showed significant growth. ABC reported a 42.4 percent increase in social impressions, reaching over 184 million, while the Academy’s own platforms grew to 21.6 million followers, up from 19.7 million last year. Video views across the night exceeded 129 million.
This marks the first decline in Oscars viewership in five years. The 2021 ceremony, held after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, had reached an all-time low of 10.4 million viewers, but the following three years saw steady growth, with 16.6 million in 2022, 18.8 million in 2023, 19.5 million in 2024 and 19.7 million in 2025.
Conan O’Brien, returning for his second consecutive year as host, received strong marks. Rob Mills, executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television, told Variety that the hosting role remains O’Brien’s if he wishes to continue.
At the ceremony, ‘One Battle After Another’ led with six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, while ‘Sinners’ won four awards, with Michael B. Jordan taking Best Actor.
Disney holds two more years of its broadcasting deal with the Oscars, which will continue on ABC and Hulu through 2028.
From the 101st ceremony in 2029, the Academy’s new pact with YouTube will take effect, extending through at least 2033.
