The Story: The 97th Academy Awards attracted just under 18.1 million viewers on ABC and Hulu, marking a 7% decline from last year, breaking a streak of increasing viewership since pandemic-induced lows. While technical issues with the Hulu livestream may have impacted numbers, particularly among younger demographics, the Oscars still topped primetime entertainment ratings.

The Details:

• The Oscars saw a viewership drop after three years of growth, down to 18.1 million from 19.5 million in 2024, indicating a possible trend shift.

• Technical difficulties plagued the Hulu livestream, resulting in users experiencing access issues, which likely contributed to the overall viewership declining.

• Conan O’Brien hosted the event for the first time, garnering positive feedback, while "Anora" led the wins, claiming both Best Picture and Best Actress awards.

• Among the viewers, the Oscars captured a significant younger audience, with over 3.2 million aged 18-49, crucial for the Academy's outreach goals.

• The presentation length was 3 hours and 47 minutes, making it one of the longest ceremonies, potentially leading to viewer fatigue.

Why It Matters: The Oscars are viewed as the pinnacle of film recognition, and a continued decline in viewership could indicate waning interest in traditional award shows, especially among younger audiences. This trend could have significant implications for future broadcasting contracts and strategic direction by networks in attracting and maintaining viewers. For creative professionals, understanding audience engagement trends is vital for shaping future productions and marketing strategies in an evolving media landscape.