Los Angeles, California – The 97th Academy Awards saw a rise in viewership, with an estimated 19.7 million people tuning in to watch the ceremony on Sunday night. This marked the largest audience in five years for the Oscars, highlighting the enduring popularity of the event despite the challenges faced by the entertainment industry during the pandemic. The success of the film “Anora,” which took home five Oscars including the coveted best picture award, contributed to the increased viewership numbers.
The Oscars telecast, hosted by Conan O’Brien, benefited from the presence of hits like “Wicked” among its nominations, as well as an opening performance by stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The show resonated strongly with viewers in the 18 to 49 age group, particularly through mobile and laptop viewing, indicating a shift in viewing habits towards digital platforms. ABC reported that the Oscars became the most watched primetime entertainment show of 2025.
While the Oscars experienced a resurgence in viewership this year, the numbers still fall short of past records set by the event. The viewership high was seen in 1998 when 55 million people watched “Titanic” dominate the awards. However, the pandemic in 2021 saw a significant drop in viewership to 9.85 million, highlighting the impact of external factors on audience numbers for live events. The gradual recovery in viewership post-pandemic underscores the resilience of the Oscars as a cultural institution.
Despite the challenges faced by the Oscars, the event continues to attract a larger audience compared to other awards shows like the Grammys. The nearly 20 million viewers for this year’s Oscars surpassed the Grammys’ viewership of 15.4 million, reaffirming the enduring appeal of the Academy Awards. However, technical issues marred the first-time livestream of the Oscars on Hulu, cutting off the feed during key moments such as Mikey Madison’s best actress win and “Anora’s” best picture victory in real time.
Overall, the 97th Academy Awards showcased a mix of smaller films and popular hits, drawing a diverse audience and revitalizing interest in the Oscars. The event’s ability to adapt to changing viewer preferences while honoring cinematic achievements underscores its importance in the entertainment industry. As the Oscars continue to evolve in response to global trends and technological advancements, the future of the awards ceremony remains promising.