Oscars 2026 Experiences Viewership Decline Amid Conan O'Brien's Hosting Debut
The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien, witnessed a notable dip in television ratings after several years of steady gains. According to data released by The Walt Disney Co. on Tuesday, the ceremony, which aired live on ABC and was streamed on Hulu, attracted just under 17.9 million viewers. This figure represents a 9% decrease from the previous year's post-pandemic high of 19.7 million viewers, which marked O'Brien's inaugural year as host and saw the film "Anora" dominate the awards.
Significant Drop in Key Demographic and Historical Context
More concerning for broadcasters was a sharper 14% decline in viewership among adults aged 18-49, a key demographic for advertisers. The event featured a competitive showdown between two Warner Bros. films: "One Battle After Another," which clinched best picture and best director, and "Sinners." The latter, despite being the most nominated film in Oscars history with 16 nods, broke the record for the most losses by a single film, with 12, though it earned Michael B. Jordan the best actor award.
Historically, the Oscars have faced fluctuating viewership. During the pandemic in 2021, ratings hit an all-time low of only 10.4 million viewers. In contrast, the ceremony's peak occurred in 1998 when "Titanic" won best picture, drawing a massive 57.2 million viewers. Throughout the 1990s, it regularly attracted around 45 million viewers, highlighting a long-term trend of declining traditional broadcast audiences.
Oscars Remain Top Telecast Despite Ratings Slide
Despite the downturn, the Oscars continue to hold the title of the No. 1 primetime entertainment telecast for the 2025-2026 season. This status is underscored by comparisons to other awards shows; for instance, the Golden Globes, which aired on CBS in January, drew only 8.7 million viewers, itself a 7% drop from the prior year. The Oscars' enduring appeal in the competitive landscape is evident, even as overall viewership patterns shift.
Rising Digital Engagement and Future Changes
While traditional ratings declined, digital engagement metrics showed positive growth. Primetime social impressions for the Oscars surged by over 42% this year, and Academy social platforms recorded more than 129 million video views throughout the night. This shift toward online interaction reflects broader trends in media consumption.
Looking ahead, broadcast ratings will cease to be a primary success metric for the Oscars starting in 2029. The 101st awards ceremony is set to move exclusively to YouTube, marking a significant transition in how the event is measured and consumed, aligning with evolving viewer habits in the digital age.
