The 98th Academy Awards, held last Sunday in Los Angeles, experienced a significant decline in viewership, with only 17.9 million people tuning in to watch the ceremony. This marks a 9% decrease from the previous year's 19.7 million viewers, making it the lowest audience record since 2022. The average rating among adults aged 18 to 49 dropped to 3.92, down from last year's 4.54, indicating a growing trend of declining interest among younger viewers.

Despite the disappointing TV ratings, social media engagement for the Oscars surged, reaching over 184 million impressions during the event. This contrasting data suggests that while traditional television viewership is declining, interest in the Oscars may be shifting to digital platforms, where audiences are more actively participating in discussions and sharing opinions in real-time. The significant presence on social media indicates that the Oscars continue to have relevance in popular culture, even if it is not reflected in television ratings.

The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC – the network that broadcasts the Oscars in the US – confirmed that this year's audience figures represent the lowest in four years, bringing attention to the challenges of attracting viewers in an era dominated by streaming services and changing media consumption habits. This trend prompts questions about the future of award shows and whether they can adapt to maintain their viewership in an increasingly fragmented entertainment landscape.