The 98th annual Academy Awards garnered 17.86 million viewers across ABC and Hulu, marking it as the least-watched Oscars telecast since 2022. This figure represents a 9% decrease from the previous year's 19.7 million viewers, which had been a five-year high for the event.
The 98th annual Academy Awards attracted 17.86 million viewers, a 9% decline from the previous year's five-year high of 19.7 million.
Viewership Analysis
Key viewership metrics included an average 3.92 rating among adults 18-49, a decline from 4.54 last year but an increase from 3.82 in 2024. Despite the decline in overall viewership, Disney reported that the 98th Academy Awards ranked as the No. 1 primetime entertainment telecast of the 2025-2026 season.
Broader Industry Trends
The decrease in viewership for this year's broadcast, hosted by Conan O’Brien, aligns with similar trends observed in other major awards shows this winter. The Golden Globes saw a 6% drop to 8.66 million viewers in January, and the Grammys experienced a 6% decline to 14.4 million viewers in February.
Digital Engagement Soars
Social media engagement for the event reportedly increased, with social impressions up by 42.4% this year (184,314,3702). Academy social platforms also saw an increase, reaching 21.6 million this year compared to 19.7 million last year, including over 129 million video views throughout the night.
Social media engagement for the event reportedly increased, with social impressions up by 42.4% this year (184,314,3702).
Historical Context
This marks the ceremony’s first viewership drop in five years. Following an all-time low of 10.4 million viewers in 2021, the event had seen consecutive growth, reaching 16.6 million in 2022, 18.8 million in 2023, 19.5 million in 2024, and 19.7 million in 2025. This year's decline breaks a five-year streak of increasing viewership.
Host Performance & Recognition
Conan O’Brien's hosting received positive feedback for his second consecutive year. Rob Mills, Executive Vice President of Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment for Walt Disney Television, indicated O'Brien is invited to host again if he chooses.
Ceremony Highlights
During the ceremony, "One Battle After Another" received six Oscars, including best picture and best director for Paul Thomas Anderson. "Sinners" secured four wins, with Michael B. Jordan awarded best actor.
Future Broadcasting Rights
Disney's current deal for the Oscars broadcasting rights on ABC and Hulu extends through 2028. Following this, YouTube will acquire the rights for the 101st ceremony in 2029 and will hold them until at least 2033.