The 98th Academy Awards ceremony, while celebrating a year of acclaimed filmmaking including best picture winner Sinners, saw a dip in viewership, reaching 17.9 million viewers on ABC and Hulu. This represents a roughly 9% decrease from the 19.7 million who tuned in for the 2025 broadcast, defying expectations that the popularity of films like Sinners and One Battle After Another would boost ratings. The decline in Oscars ratings comes despite a strong performance for primetime entertainment overall this season.
Many industry observers had anticipated a continued rise in viewership following a five-year high in 2025, attributing that increase to a resurgence of interest in cinema following the COVID-19 pandemic. That year’s winner, Sean Baker’s Anora, wasn’t a blockbuster, but its success signaled a return to appreciating diverse and independent filmmaking. This year, however, the box office power of films like Ryan Coogler’s Sinners ($280 million domestic gross) and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another ($72 million domestic gross) wasn’t enough to translate into a larger television audience.
The Global Performance of Blockbuster Films
While Sinners proved a domestic success, its international performance was more muted, earning a worldwide total of $370 million. One Battle After Another, conversely, exceeded expectations overseas, bringing its global total to $210 million. The differing international trajectories of these films highlight the complexities of global box office appeal and the varying tastes of international audiences. Anora, despite its critical acclaim, earned $20 million domestically, demonstrating that critical success doesn’t always equate to widespread commercial appeal.
Shifting Demographics and Viewing Habits
Beyond the raw viewership numbers, audience approval ratings for the Oscars broadcast also declined. The show averaged a 3.92 out of 5 among the 18-49 age demographic, down from 4.54 in 2025, though still an improvement over the 3.82 recorded in 2024, the year Oppenheimer dominated the awards. This suggests a potential shift in viewing habits, with younger audiences perhaps less inclined to tune into traditional broadcast television. However, the show remains the most-watched primetime entertainment telecast of the 2025-26 season, outpacing competitors like the Golden Globes (8.66 million viewers, down 6% year-over-year) and the Grammys (14.4 million viewers, also down 6%).
Social Media Engagement and Future Broadcast Plans
Despite the dip in linear television viewership, the Oscars saw a significant increase in social media engagement. ABC reported a 42% jump in social impressions, reaching 184 million, and the Academy’s own social platforms also experienced growth. This suggests that audiences are still engaging with the Oscars, but increasingly doing so through digital channels. Looking ahead, the Academy is preparing for a major shift in its broadcast strategy. The Oscars will remain on ABC and Hulu for the next two years, but will move to YouTube in 2029, coinciding with the 100th Academy Awards, with rights secured through at least 2033. Host Conan O’Brien even alluded to the move during the ceremony with a skit featuring Jane Lynch.
Technical Issues and Host Continuity
The 2026 broadcast wasn’t without its challenges. Several audio glitches occurred during the show, and some viewers criticized the perceived rush to shorten acceptance speeches, particularly that of Yu-Han Lee, who won for his work on Golden. Disney executive Rob Mills, who oversees the Oscars telecast, acknowledged the issues in a statement to Variety, stating, “I don’t know what the most elegant solution is, but it’s obviously something we should look really, really long and hard at.” Despite the technical hiccups, Mills expressed satisfaction with O’Brien’s performance as host, indicating he’s likely to return for the 2027 ceremony, should O’Brien be willing.
A performance of “I Lied To You” from Sinners was featured live during the broadcast, highlighting the role of music in the film’s storytelling. You can view the performance here.
The move to YouTube represents a significant gamble for the Academy, aiming to reach a broader and more digitally native audience. The success of this transition will likely depend on how effectively the Academy can leverage the platform’s reach and engagement tools. The future of the Oscars broadcast, and its ability to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape, remains a key topic of discussion within the industry.
The Academy Awards will continue to adapt to changing viewing habits and technological advancements. The next major checkpoint will be the announcement of the host for the 99th Academy Awards, expected in late 2026.
What are your thoughts on the recent Oscars ratings and the move to YouTube? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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