Oscars Ratings Plummet After Awards Show Leaves Fans Bored

The 98th Academy Awards recently concluded with a stark reminder that the era of traditional television dominance is rapidly fading. Despite the high-stakes glamour of the night, the broadcast managed to attract only 17.9 million viewers across ABC and Hulu.

This figure represents a 9% decline from the previous year, marking the ceremony’s least-watched installment since 2022. Even with the return of Conan O’Brien as host for a second consecutive year, the program struggled to maintain the audience’s attention for its three-hour duration.

While the live broadcast faltered, the event found a massive second life through digital platforms. Social media engagement surged by 42% compared to 2025, racking up a staggering 184 million impressions across various apps.

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X were flooded with viral memes and bite-sized highlights that reached audiences who chose to skip the full telecast. This shift suggests that while the prestige of the Oscars remains intact, the way people consume the ceremony has fundamentally changed.

The downward trend in ratings is even more dramatic when compared to historical heights, such as the 1998 ceremony, which drew 57 million people. Industry analysts point to the competition from streaming services, video games, and short-form video as the primary cause for this erosion.

Critics often cite the slow pacing and extended runtime as major hurdles for modern viewers accustomed to instant gratification. In response to these changing habits, the Academy has already planned a historic move to YouTube starting in 2029.

The hope is that transitioning away from traditional networks will make the show more accessible to younger, digitally native audiences. For now, the ceremony remains a paradox: a television show with shrinking ratings but a cultural event with an expanding digital footprint.

The evening’s top honor, Best Picture, was awarded to One Battle After Another, a film that has redefined the modern blockbuster. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the movie serves as a high-octane black comedy that follows a retired revolutionary forced back into action.

Leonardo DiCaprio leads the cast as the weary protagonist, a role that earned him a Best Actor nomination. He stars alongside a powerhouse ensemble including Sean Penn as his corrupt military rival and Benicio del Toro as a trusted ally.

Director Paul Thomas Anderson is also reportedly developing a new project featuring Alana Haim, continuing their successful partnership. Meanwhile, the film’s supporting star, Sean Penn, has been active in international humanitarian efforts throughout the early months of the year.

As for the host, Conan O’Brien continues to expand his media empire with his popular travel series and podcast. His second year as host was filled with his signature wit, though even his comedic timing couldn’t stop the migration of viewers toward their smartphones.

The Academy’s transition to a streaming-first model in the coming years will be a critical test for Hollywood’s longevity. If the Oscars can successfully pivot to these new viewing habits, the ceremony may yet find a way to stay relevant in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

The next few years will determine if the “biggest night in Hollywood” can maintain its sparkle on much smaller screens. For now, the industry must reconcile with the fact that the red carpet is being watched more on social feeds than on living room televisions.

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