Calm, cool, collected — Sang Heon Lee charms at the 97th #Oscars.
Photo Credit: Dana Scruggs pic.twitter.com/UDA0WZGiHg
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 4, 2025
The 97th Academy Awards saw a decline in viewership, attracting 18.07 million viewers across ABC and Hulu on Sunday night. This marks a 7% decrease from the previous year’s audience of 19.5 million. The broadcast faced technical issues, with some Hulu users reporting difficulties accessing their accounts when the show began and others experiencing interruptions before the final categories were announced.
Pretty in pink ???? Best Supporting Actress nominee Monica Barbaro at the 97th #Oscars.
Photo Credit: Roger Kisby pic.twitter.com/30WzPZza40
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 4, 2025
The show’s lengthy runtime of 3 hours and 47 minutes, one of the longest on record, may have also contributed to the decline in viewership. Despite the overall dip, the Oscars posted gains among younger demographics. The show achieved a 3.92 rating among adults 18-49, up from 3.82 a year ago, and scored the second-best mark in that demographic since 2020.
From a #TIFF24 Canadian Premiere to @TheAcademy’s biggest prize ????
Sean Baker’s screwball comedy ANORA wins the Academy Award for Best Picture. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/jJlfI9M0sn
— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) March 3, 2025
Oscars see minor viewership dip
Among adults 18-34, the Oscars’ 3.17 rating was the highest for the show since 2020. The Oscars remain the most-watched awards show of the season, edging out the 2025 Grammys in both total viewers and the 18-49 demographic.
It is currently the largest primetime entertainment show, excluding sports, on broadcast TV in the 2024-25 season.
Anora is by far the best movie that actually has a chance of winning Best Picture and i couldn't be happier to see it clean up. the way the Oscars have transformed since they expanded their membership in 2016 is pretty incredible. Emilias Pérez still happen but what can you do.
— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) March 3, 2025
Notable wins at the 97th Academy Awards included Sean Baker’s film, which led the night with four Oscars, including Best Director, Editing, and Best Original Screenplay. Mikey Madison, Zoe Saldaña, and Kieran Culkin also took home acting awards.
The small decline in viewership aligns with trends seen in other recent award shows, potentially reflecting a new normal for audience sizes after significant declines in 2020.
