Overview
- Measured by Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel, the telecast averaged 17.86 million viewers and a 3.92 adults 18–49 rating, the smallest Oscars audience since 2022.
- Despite the decline, Disney said it was the No. 1 primetime entertainment telecast of the 2025–26 season, with social impressions up about 42% and 129 million-plus video views on Academy platforms.
- The show contended with unexpected competition from a World Baseball Classic semifinal on FS1/Fox Deportes that drew 7.37 million viewers.
- Viewers and press noted audio and technical glitches during Conan O’Brien’s second year as host; the ceremony again started at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
- Key winners included One Battle After Another for best picture and best director (Paul Thomas Anderson), Sinners with four awards including best actor (Michael B. Jordan), and Jessie Buckley for best actress, as the Academy’s rights stay with ABC/Hulu through 2028 before moving to YouTube in 2029.