The 96th Academy Awards ceremony, also known as the Oscars, attracted an estimated 19.5 million viewers on ABC, marking the largest audience in four years. This increase comes after a pandemic-induced all-time low, with a modest 4% rise from last year's viewership of 18.7 million.
The Academy made strategic changes this year, including scheduling the show an hour earlier and featuring nominations for popular films like 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer,' which resonated with viewers. The telecast saw its peak viewership during the final half-hour, highlighted by memorable moments such as Ryan Gosling's performance of 'I'm Just Ken' from 'Barbie,' Cillian Murphy and Christopher Nolan winning awards for 'Oppenheimer,' and Al Pacino presenting the best picture Oscar.
Notable wins included Emma Stone clinching the best actress award in a fiercely competitive category, captivating nearly 22 million viewers. Despite a slight delay in the show's start due to Gaza protests outside the Dolby Theatre, host Jimmy Kimmel managed to engage the audience effectively.
While last year's big winner, 'Everything, Everywhere All at Once,' performed well at the box office, it paled in comparison to the success of 'Barbenheimer' films, with 'Oppenheimer' nearing a billion dollars globally and 'Barbie' surpassing it.
Although the Oscars outperformed recent awards shows like the Grammys, Golden Globes, and Emmy Awards, the decline in viewership over the years reflects the broader trend of shifting viewership habits towards streaming platforms. The Oscars' viewership trajectory has fluctuated significantly, from a peak of 55 million viewers in 1998 to a pandemic-hit low of 9.85 million in 2021.
Despite challenges, the Oscars continue to be a significant cultural event, drawing attention to the evolving landscape of entertainment consumption. The show's lead-in to the sitcom 'Abbott Elementary' further boosted viewership, showcasing the enduring appeal of live television events.
For more details on this year's Academy Awards, visit the official Academy Awards hub.
