Oscars Draw Their Largest Viewership in Five Years Amidst Popularity of Smaller Films
Oscars Draw the Biggest Audience in Five Years
Viewership Numbers Surge
On Sunday evening, the 97th Academy Awards captivated audiences, attracting approximately 19.7 million viewers. This year’s telecast marked a significant increase, making it the most-watched Oscars in five years. According to ABC, these figures showcase a revival in interest, particularly compared to the 19.5 million viewers from last year.
A Celebration of Independent Films
This year’s Oscars highlighted smaller films, such as "Anora," which won five awards, including the coveted Best Picture. These modestly budgeted films still managed to capture the attention of a significant audience. In contrast, last year’s ceremony featured major blockbusters like "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie," which are recognized for drawing large audiences.
Noteworthy Highlights
The opening performance featured stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande from the anticipated film "Wicked," which received ten nominations. The film also won awards for its impressive production design and costumes, adding to the evening’s vibrancy.
A Shift in Younger Viewers
The Oscars experienced a notable increase in viewership among younger audiences, particularly those aged 18 to 49. This demographic is increasingly turning to portable devices like mobile phones and laptops to watch live events. As a result, this ceremony was touted as the most-watched primetime entertainment show in 2025.
Impact of the Pandemic
It’s important to recognize that these viewership numbers, while impressive, come after a severe drop during the pandemic. Live events, including award shows, have been less popular in recent years. According to experts, the audience numbers from previous years, such as the peak of 55 million viewers for the "Titanic" awards in 1998, are unlikely to be matched again given the changing viewing habits of the public.
Historical Context of Oscar Viewership
In 2018, the Oscars saw a drop to 26.5 million viewers, but the lowest moment came in 2021 with only 9.85 million viewers tuning in. However, viewership began to recover in 2022 during the controversial incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock, which drew 16.6 million viewers.
Streaming Challenges
An interesting development for this year’s Oscars was Hulu’s attempt at a livestream. Unfortunately, viewers faced issues when the stream cut off in the final moments, missing the announcement of key winners, including Mikey Madison for Best Actress and "Anora" for Best Picture. These technical difficulties can frustrate viewers and impact the overall impression of the show.
Oscars vs. Other Award Shows
Despite some challenges, the Oscars still managed to outperform other awards shows this year. With nearly 20 million viewers, it surpassed the Grammys, which attracted 15.4 million viewers. This showcase of cinematic achievements continues to overshadow many other competitions in the entertainment industry.
Looking Ahead
As the Academy Awards aim to retain their relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape, the data collected this year provides valuable insight into viewer behavior. Understanding trends among younger viewers and adapting to new viewing platforms is crucial in maintaining high audience numbers moving forward.
For more information and analysis on this year’s Academy Awards, visit AP News: Academy Awards. This link features ongoing coverage and updates regarding the Oscars and their impact on the film industry.
This year’s Oscars certainly created conversations within the film community and among viewers, allowing everyone to reflect on the state and future of cinema.
