With 17.9 million viewers across broadcast and online platforms, the 98th Academy Awards show saw the lowest audience numbers since 2022 and a 9% down from the previous year's event. Even though Conan O'Brien presented the event this year for the second time in a row, it struggled to get the same number of viewers as prior years despite having memorable moments and significant victories. The most recent ratings data raise concerns about how Hollywood's greatest night resonates with broader people today as the Oscars continue to change in a shifting TV landscape.
Viewership Dip Despite Big Moments and Conan O'Brien's Return
According to Nielsen estimates, the average number of viewers for the Oscar broadcast on ABC and Hulu was 17.86 million, a decrease from roughly 19.6 million in 2025. This 9% decline maintains a larger pattern of diminishing live TV viewership for major awards shows and represents the lowest viewing levels for the show in last four years.
Comedian Conan O'Brien hosted the ceremony for a second time this year. While his presence brought laughs and distinctive monologues, it wasn't enough to significantly boost viewership.
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According to industry analysts, it is becoming more difficult to reach large linear TV viewers as streaming, social media highlights, and splintered entertainment habits compete with awards events. Despite the drop, the telecast still delivered several memorable moments. Emotional acceptance speeches, excerpts from the biggest films of the year, and exceptional musical performances were among the highlights.
Even while the enthusiasm didn't quite translate into traditional TV numbers, social media buzz increased throughout the evening, indicating substantial online fan involvement.
Major Wins at the 2026 Oscars and Industry Reactions
The 98th Academy Awards on 15th March, 2026 were dominated by 'One Battle After Another,' which secured Best Picture along with five other Oscars including Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Penn, making it the most awarded film of the night.
With a record-breaking 16 nominations and four wins, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan and accolades for its cinematography, original score, and original screenplay, 'Sinners' also had a significant impact. This is impressive for a horror-themed movie.
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Amy Madigan received Best Supporting Actress for 'Weapons,' and Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for 'Hamnet,' highlighting the spread of recognition across genres and performances. Additionally, 'Golden' from 'KPop Demon Hunters' won the Best Original Song award, making history as the first K-pop song to win an Oscar and bringing attention to the variety of the winners worldwide.
Industry and public reactions reflected both celebration and controversy. While fans and commentators emphasized moments of camaraderie, such as the extended embrace between Jordan and fellow nominee Leonardo DiCaprio, as symbolic of respect within the community, many in Hollywood praised the victories as a strong combination of artistic achievement and recognition for underrepresented genres.
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However, there were sharp debates online, with some viewers criticizing production decisions like abruptly cutting off the 'Golden' acceptance speech, which sparked vocal backlash and prompted the Oscars to review their speech protocol amidst accusations of bias.
What the Ratings Mean for the Future of Awards Shows
The fall in ratings for the 2026 Oscars comes at a time when traditional TV series of all kinds struggle to draw in large audiences. While awards shows, such as the Emmys and Grammys, have experienced comparable losses in recent years, live sports continue to be strong performers. Networks and producers are exploring new strategies, such as hybrid streaming distribution, interactive segments, and tighter run times, to maintain relevance.
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Even though it didn't stop the decline in ratings, critics generally liked Conan O'Brien's job as host, which was marked by wit and charm. To reach a wider audience, producers might keep experimenting with host formats, celebrity involvement, and topic shifts. Viewing trends are also influenced by streaming partners like Hulu; many viewers choose condensed versions or on-demand highlights over live, multi-hour broadcasts.
Looking ahead, the Oscars and other award shows will likely continue adapting to meet changing viewer habits. While the 2026 telecast may not have matched prior audience peaks, it demonstrated the enduring cultural impact of awards season—even as how audiences watch continues to evolve.
