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97th Oscars Hit Low, Young Viewers Tune In

3/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The 97th Academy Awards drew 18.1 million viewers, a 7% drop from last year, hitting a three-year low. However, younger audiences showed renewed interest, with a rating of 3.92 among adults 18-49. "Anora" took home Best Picture, while Conan O'Brien kept the nearly four-hour ceremony lively despite some technical hiccups on Hulu.

History

Historical Context

The 97th Academy Awards saw a decline in viewership, reminiscent of trends from the early 2000s when ratings fell due to changing audience habits. In 2003, the Oscars attracted only 33 million viewers, prompting discussions about relevancy. The rise of streaming services has since shifted how younger audiences engage with film, highlighting ongoing challenges for traditional awards shows to capture attention.

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Story summary

The 97th Academy Awards drew 18.1 million viewers, a 7% drop from last year, hitting a three-year low. However, younger audiences showed renewed interest, with a rating of 3.92 among adults 18-49. "Anora" took home Best Picture, while Conan O'Brien kept the nearly four-hour ceremony lively despite some technical hiccups on Hulu.

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