Oscars 2026 See Drop in TV Viewership Despite Global Prestige!

The 2026 Academy Awards, regarded as one of the most prestigious events in global cinema, witnessed a decline in television viewership this year. Data released by the Walt Disney Company revealed that ratings, which had been steadily rising in recent years, saw a noticeable dip during the 98th Oscars ceremony hosted by Conan O’Brien.

The event, held last Sunday, was broadcast on ABC Television and streamed on Hulu, attracting approximately 17.9 million viewers worldwide, compared to 19.7 million last year—marking a nearly 9% decline. Notably, viewership among the 18–49 age group dropped by around 14%, indicating reduced engagement from younger audiences, which is considered a key factor behind the overall decline.