Entertainment
Oscars Audience Dips to 17.9 Million in Year With Few Surprises
Host Conan O'Brien lies on the carpet as he participates in the 98th Oscars arrivals carpet roll out in Hollywood on March 11.
Photographer: Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images
The Academy Awards drew fewer spectators to its broadcast on Sunday night compared with a year ago, in a ceremony that was short on upsets or controversies.
The annual film industry gala was watched by 17.9 million people, down 9.1% from 2025, according to Nielsen ratings. Last year’s audience hit a five-year high of 19.7 million viewers.