The 97th Academy Awards ceremony saw a significant increase in viewership despite the dominance of smaller films like “Anora,” which won five Oscars, including best picture. According to ABC, an estimated 19.7 million people watched the show, making it the largest audience in five years. This is a notable improvement from last year’s 19.5 million viewers.
The success can be attributed to the involvement of popular figures like Conan O’Brien and the opening performance by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande from the hit musical “Wicked.” The show also drew younger viewers, with mobile and laptop views contributing to its high rating among 18-49-year-olds.
However, it’s essential to note that these numbers are still far below the show’s all-time highs. The pandemic had a significant impact on live events, leading to lower viewership. In 1998, the Oscars drew 55 million viewers, and even in recent years, the show has struggled to reach those numbers.
Despite this, the Oscars remain one of the most-watched awards shows, outdrawing other competitions like the Grammys. With nearly 20 million viewers, the ceremony demonstrated a continued appeal among audiences despite changes in viewing habits.
A livestream of the event on Hulu was cut off just as it ended, missing crucial moments, including Mikey Madison’s best actress win and the “Anora” best picture victory.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/oscars-2025-ratings-9d82cd9ea1afa4675ca1cf797c483684