Oscars Viewership Drops To Lowest Since 2022 Category Icon

The 98th Academy Awards attracted 17.86 million viewers on ABC and Hulu, marking a 9% decline from last year’s 19.7 million and the lowest audience since 2022. Hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second consecutive year, the ceremony averaged a 3.92 rating among adults 18-49, down from 2025’s 4.54 rating. This represents the first viewership drop in five years for Hollywood’s biggest night. One Battle After Another dominated with six wins including best picture and best director for Paul Thomas Anderson, while Sinners earned four Oscars with Michael B. Jordan taking best actor. Despite the ratings decline, the broadcast ranked as the top primetime entertainment show of the 2025-2026 season and generated 42% more social impressions than last year.