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98th Oscars Sees Viewership Drop, YouTube Transition Ahead

3/18/2026

29 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 98th Oscars drew 17.86 million viewers, a 9% drop from last year and the lowest viewership since 2022, though it was the top primetime entertainment telecast.
Social media impressions increased by 42%.
One Battle After Another won six Oscars, including Best Picture, while Sinners won four, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan.
The Oscars will transition to YouTube in 2029, ending its long-standing partnership with ABC.

History

Historical Context

The 95th Academy Awards, held on March 12, 2023, attracted only 17.86 million viewers, marking a significant decline from the 26.5 million viewers of the 90th Oscars in 2018. This trend reflects changing media consumption habits, as evidenced by a 42% increase in social media impressions during the event. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be exclusively broadcast on YouTube, further reshaping audience engagement.

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Story summary

The 98th Oscars drew 17.86 million viewers, a 9% drop from last year and the lowest viewership since 2022, though it was the top primetime entertainment telecast.
Social media impressions increased by 42%.
One Battle After Another won six Oscars, including Best Picture, while Sinners won four, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan.
The Oscars will transition to YouTube in 2029, ending its long-standing partnership with ABC.

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