Oscar Ratings Drop: Viewership Hits 4-Year Low | 2024 Analysis
The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, saw a 9% dip in viewership, drawing 17.9 million viewers, according to the Los Angeles Times. This marks a four-year low for the broadcast, which aired on , on ABC and Hulu.
While the numbers represent a decline from last year’s ceremony, the broadcast still managed to attract a significant audience. Several factors likely contributed to the decrease, a common trend in recent years for awards shows. The proliferation of streaming services and on-demand viewing options continues to fragment the television audience, offering alternatives to traditional live broadcasts.
O’Brien’s second year hosting the Oscars was punctuated by a variety of segments, including appearances by Lionel Richie, Barbra Streisand, and the cast of Bridesmaids, who reunited on stage. Performances included KPOP DEMON HUNTERS performing “Golden,” Josh Groban, and SINNERS performing “I Lied To You.” The ceremony also featured a tribute to Robert Redford by Streisand, and an In Memoriam segment remembering those lost. Notably, Grogu and Pedro Pascal were presenters, alongside Sigourney Weaver, in a segment that aimed to reach younger viewers, as highlighted by ABC.
The broadcast also included comedic bits from O’Brien, including a segment targeting Grogu, and a reimagining of Casablanca with Sterling K. Brown. He also introduced Matt Berry as the evening’s announcer and Ventura Crossroads. Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour presented the Costume Design award.
The decline in viewership mirrors a broader trend observed across major awards shows. Barron’s reported similar drops in viewing figures, while Paste Magazine specifically noted the 17.9 million viewers represented a four-year low. Deadline also reported the 9% decrease, emphasizing the impact on both ABC and Hulu, which streamed the event.
The Academy Awards have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years regarding their relevance and ability to capture a broad audience. Efforts to modernize the show, including the selection of a host known for a younger demographic in O’Brien, appear to have had limited success in reversing the downward trend. The show’s length, the increasing competition from streaming platforms, and changing viewing habits are all contributing factors.
The inclusion of popular culture references, such as Grogu, and the reunion of a beloved comedy ensemble like Bridesmaids, suggest an attempt to broaden the appeal of the ceremony. Though, these efforts were not enough to counteract the overall decline in viewership. The Academy will likely need to continue to innovate and adapt to the evolving media landscape to maintain its position as a significant cultural event.
The 98th Oscars also saw the introduction of a latest Academy Award for Casting, with the first presenters for the award taking the stage. This new category reflects a growing recognition of the crucial role casting directors play in the success of film and television productions. Conan O’Brien also introduced the evening, and received a post-Oscars surprise.
Looking ahead, the Academy and ABC will need to analyze the data from this year’s broadcast to identify areas for improvement. Potential strategies could include shortening the show, focusing on more dynamic and engaging segments, and exploring new ways to integrate social media and streaming platforms. The challenge will be to strike a balance between honoring the art of filmmaking and attracting a wider audience in an increasingly competitive entertainment environment.
The broadcast also included segments dedicated to remembering those lost, with two parts to the In Memoriam segment, featuring tributes from Rachel McAdams, Billy Crystal, and others. These moments of remembrance provided a poignant counterpoint to the more celebratory aspects of the evening.