Overview
- The 98th Academy Awards drew 17.86 million U.S. viewers, down 9% year over year and the weakest tally since 2022, ending a five-year growth streak.
- ABC reported a 42.4% jump in social interactions, with Academy platforms recording 21.6 million interactions and more than 129 million video views on the night.
- The telecast posted a 3.92 rating among adults 18–49, down from 4.54 last year, reflecting softer performance in a key advertising demographic.
- Disney retains broadcast rights through 2028, and YouTube is set to carry the ceremony from 2029 to at least 2033.
- Audience erosion tracked across other shows and markets, with the Golden Globes and Grammys each down 6% and Germany’s ProSieben averaging about 340,000 viewers and an 18.7% share.