What's Happening?
The 98th annual Academy Awards, broadcast on ABC and Hulu, attracted 17.86 million viewers, marking a 9% decrease from the previous year's 19.7 million viewers. This decline makes it the least-watched Oscars telecast since 2022. Despite the drop, the Oscars remained
the top primetime entertainment telecast of the 2025-2026 season. The ratings decline aligns with similar trends seen in other major awards shows, such as the Golden Globes and the Grammys, which also experienced viewership drops. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the ceremony saw 'One Battle After Another' win six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson.
Why It's Important?
The decline in Oscars viewership reflects a broader trend of decreasing audience numbers for major awards shows, which could impact advertising revenue and the future format of such events. The drop in ratings may prompt the Academy and broadcasters to explore new strategies to engage audiences, such as increased digital interaction or format changes. The continued decline in viewership could also influence how networks negotiate future broadcasting rights, potentially affecting the financial dynamics of the entertainment industry.
What's Next?
With Disney's current deal to broadcast the Oscars on ABC and Hulu set to continue until 2028, the Academy may consider new approaches to boost viewership. This could include leveraging social media platforms more effectively or experimenting with the ceremony's format to attract younger audiences. The upcoming transition to YouTube as a broadcasting partner in 2029 may also bring changes in how the event is presented and consumed.
