Los Angeles, CA – The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by a returning Conan O’Brien, drew an average of 17.9 million viewers on Sunday night, marking a 9 percent decrease from the 19.7 million who tuned in for the 2025 ceremony. Despite a highly anticipated evening and O’Brien’s second stint as master of ceremonies, the broadcast hit its lowest viewership since 2022, when the awards show was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and held at Union Station. The dip in ratings reflects a broader trend affecting major television events, though the Oscars still outperformed both the Golden Globes and the Grammys in overall viewership this awards season.
The Nielsen ratings, which include live and same-day viewing figures, indicate a continuing challenge for the Academy to maintain broad audience engagement. While the broadcast still represented the most-watched program of the night across all demographics, the decline raises questions about the future of the awards show’s television format, particularly as it prepares for a significant shift to streaming in the coming years. Social media engagement, however, offered a brighter spot, with impressions up 42.4 percent compared to last year, suggesting continued interest in the event through digital platforms.
Oscars Ratings Trend: A Wider Industry Challenge
The 9 percent drop in viewership for the Oscars isn’t an isolated incident. Similar declines have been observed at other major awards shows this year. The Golden Globes saw a significant decrease in viewership, attracting 8.7 million viewers, while the Grammys garnered 14.4 million. As reported by USA Today, this suggests a broader shift in how audiences consume live events, with a move towards streaming and on-demand viewing.
Despite the decline, the Academy Awards still managed to attract a larger audience than both the Golden Globes and the Grammys this year. This indicates that the Oscars retain a certain level of prestige and appeal, even as viewership numbers dwindle. The awards show continues to be a significant cultural event, generating substantial media coverage and social media buzz.
Conan O’Brien’s Return and the 2026 Ceremony
Conan O’Brien’s return as host was met with generally positive reviews, with many praising his comedic timing and self-deprecating humor. Variety reported that the Academy worked to balance honoring the year’s cinematic achievements with a lively and engaging broadcast. However, even a well-received host couldn’t fully counteract the overall trend of declining viewership for live television events.
The 98th Academy Awards featured a competitive field of nominees, with several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films vying for top honors. While specific winners aren’t directly tied to the ratings decline, the perceived relevance and appeal of the nominated films can influence audience interest. The ceremony itself aimed to strike a balance between celebrating the art of filmmaking and providing entertainment for a broad audience.
Looking Ahead: The Shift to YouTube
The Academy Awards are currently under contract to air on ABC for the next two years, through the 100th anniversary celebration in 2028. However, a landmark deal has been struck with YouTube to become the exclusive home of the Oscars beginning in 2028. This move represents a significant shift in strategy for the Academy, embracing the growing popularity of streaming platforms and seeking to reach a wider, more diverse audience.
The transition to YouTube is expected to bring about significant changes to the format and presentation of the awards show. The Academy will have greater creative control over the broadcast and will be able to experiment with new technologies and interactive features. The move likewise raises questions about accessibility and whether a streaming-only format will further alienate older viewers who may not be as comfortable with digital platforms.
The Evolving Landscape of Awards Show Viewership
The decline in viewership for the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry. The rise of streaming services, on-demand viewing, and social media has fragmented the audience and provided viewers with more choices than ever before. Traditional television broadcasts are struggling to compete with these alternative forms of entertainment.
Several factors contribute to this shift. Cord-cutting – the practice of canceling cable or satellite television subscriptions – is becoming increasingly common, as more and more people opt for streaming services. The availability of content on demand allows viewers to watch what they want, when they want, without being tied to a specific broadcast schedule. Social media provides a platform for real-time commentary and engagement, often overshadowing the live broadcast itself.
The Academy is actively exploring ways to adapt to this changing landscape. The move to YouTube is a bold step in that direction, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to reverse the decline in viewership. The Academy will need to continue to innovate and find new ways to engage audiences in order to ensure the long-term relevance of the Oscars.
Key Takeaways
- The 98th Academy Awards saw a 9 percent decrease in viewership, attracting 17.9 million viewers.
- This decline is part of a broader trend affecting major television events, including the Golden Globes and the Grammys.
- Conan O’Brien’s hosting performance was well-received, but couldn’t prevent the overall ratings drop.
- The Academy Awards will move to YouTube as its exclusive broadcast partner beginning in 2028.
- The shift to streaming represents a significant strategic change for the Academy, aimed at reaching a wider audience.
The Academy Awards will continue to air on ABC for the 99th and 100th ceremonies, providing a transition period before the full move to YouTube in 2028. The Academy is expected to announce further details about its plans for the YouTube broadcast in the coming months. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the Oscars will need to adapt and innovate to remain a relevant and engaging cultural event.
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