Oscars Viewership Declines Despite ‘Sinners’ Success, Future on YouTube Looms

Despite a strong showing for critically acclaimed and commercially successful films like “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another,” the 98th Academy Awards experienced a dip in viewership, reaching 17.9 million viewers on ABC and Hulu. This represents a roughly 9% decrease from the 19.7 million viewers in 2025, according to ABC News.

A Post-Pandemic Correction?

The decline follows a five-year high in 2025, which many attributed to a resurgence of interest in cinema following the COVID-19 pandemic. Sean Baker’s “Anora” dominated the previous year’s awards, despite modest box office returns of $20 million domestically. In contrast, “Sinners” grossed $280 million in the US, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” earned $72 million.

Global Box Office Performance

“One Battle After Another” exceeded expectations internationally, bringing its global total to $210 million, while “Sinners” performed more modestly overseas, achieving a worldwide total of $370 million.

Audience Approval and Social Engagement

Audience approval ratings for the Oscars too decreased, averaging 3.92 (out of five) among the 18-49 age group, compared to 4.54 in 2025. But, ratings were up from 3.82 in 2024, the year “Oppenheimer” swept the awards. Despite the dip in TV viewership, social media engagement increased, with social impressions up 42% to 184 million, and Academy social platforms also seeing growth.

Conan O’Brien to Return as Host

Disney executive Rob Mills confirmed to Variety that Conan O’Brien will return as host for the 2027 Oscars, should he choose to do so, following positive reception to his second consecutive year hosting the event.

Technical Issues and Future Broadcast Plans

The broadcast was not without issues, with reports of audio glitches and criticism regarding shortened acceptance speeches, particularly that of composer Yu-Han Lee. Mills acknowledged the problems and stated the Academy will “look really, really long and hard at” finding a solution. The Oscars will remain on ABC and Hulu for two more years before moving to YouTube in 2029, following the 100th Academy Awards in 2028, with rights secured through at least 2033.

“Sinners” Dominates Awards Season

“Sinners” was a major winner at the 98th Academy Awards, with Michael B. Jordan winning Best Actor as reported by ABC News. The film also won Best Cinematography, with Autumn Durald Arkapaw making history as the first woman and Black person to receive the award according to ABC7 News. The performance of the nominated song “I Lied to You” from “Sinners” featured a diverse cast of musicians and dancers, recreating a scene from the film as detailed by ABC7.