Oscars Viewership Drops, But Social Media Buzz Soars

0:00Reporting from The Daily News Now, I'm Corey with the story with the latest entertainment headlines. The 2026 Academy Awards drew 17.9 million viewers in the United States, marking the first drop in five years, despite a tight race between top films, one battle after another and sinners. This was down 9% from last year's 19.7 million and the lowest in four years for the show on ABC and Hulu. The viewership had climbed steadily since the pandemic, low of 10.4 million in 2021, hitting 16.6 million in 20. 22, 18.8 million in 2023, 19.5 million in 2024, and 19.7 million in 2025, audience approval for adults, 18 to 49, fell to 3.92 out of five, lower than 20.25s, 4.54. Though the Oscars still topped all primetime entertainment that night, and for the season.

1:00Other big awards shows saw dips too, like the Golden Globes and Grammys, each down about 6% from their prior numbers. Meanwhile, social media buzz surged with 42.4% more impressions and 129 million video views. One battle after another, one best picture, best director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and best supporting actor for Sean Penn among six awards total. Sinners took four, including best actor for Michael B. Jordan, while K-Pop demon hunters grabbed best animated feature and best original song, host Conan O'Brien impressed execs enough for a potential return next year. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor, LinkedIn the description. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you, a pillow with built-in sound, O-L-I-SOLY-PILLOW.com. Made in AI.