There’s a Catch: Viewership Drops by 7%

Decline in Viewership at the 97th Academy Awards

The 97th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday (March 2), witnessed a decrease in viewership compared to the previous year. According to Nielsen fast national ratings, the Oscar telecast brought in an estimated 18.07 million viewers on ABC and Hulu, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. This marked the first time that the prestigious awards ceremony was live-streamed.

Technical Glitches and Audience Decline

Despite the live stream, Hulu experienced technical glitches throughout the evening, with some users unable to watch the final two awards of the night. The total audience count saw a sharp decline of approximately 7 percent compared to 2024, when viewership reached 19.49 million despite the absence of a live stream.

Surge in Younger Audiences

The Oscars showed signs of a surge among adults aged between 18 and 49, with the 18 to 34 demographic recording its highest post-pandemic numbers. This indicates a growing interest among younger audiences. The broadcast earned a 3.92 rating in the 18-49 age group, equaling 5.25 million viewers, a slight increase from the previous year’s rating.

Awards and Recognition for "Anora"

The Sean Baker-directed romantic comedy, "Anora," starring Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn, was a big winner at the Oscars. The film took home five awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. "Anora" tells the story of a female dancer in New York who falls for a Russian oligarch, only to discover the harsh reality behind their seemingly perfect union.

Host and Conclusion of the Ceremony

Conan O’Brien hosted the 97th Academy Awards, providing entertainment and humor throughout the evening. The event showcased the best in the film industry and honored outstanding achievements in cinema. Despite the decline in viewership, the Oscars remain a celebrated and prestigious event in the entertainment world.