2026 Oscars Broadcast Sees Viewership Decline After Four-Year Growth Streak
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony, broadcast on ABC in March 2026, attracted an average audience of 17.9 million viewers. This figure represents a 9% decrease from the previous year's telecast and marks the conclusion of a four-year period during which Oscar viewership had consistently grown. The event was hosted by Conan O'Brien and took place in Hollywood.
Key facts
- The 98th Oscars ceremony aired in March 2026.
- The ABC broadcast averaged 17.9 million viewers.
- Viewership declined by approximately 9% compared to the 2025 ceremony.
- This ended a four-year streak of increasing audience numbers for the awards show.
- The event was hosted by Conan O'Brien in Hollywood.
Entities
Institutions
- ABC
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Locations
- Hollywood