The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, captivated audiences with a star-studded ceremony hosted by Conan O’Brien. The event not only showcased remarkable performances but also achieved a significant milestone in viewership, marking a five-year high in ratings, particularly among younger audiences.

Key Takeaways

• Viewership Surge: The Oscars attracted approximately 19.7 million viewers, surpassing last year’s numbers.
• Digital Streaming Impact: A notable 1.65 million viewers tuned in via digital devices, contributing to the ratings boost.
• Demographic Gains: Significant increases in viewership among adults aged 18-49 and 18-34 were recorded.
• Social Media Buzz: The event generated over 104 million social media interactions, the highest for any TV program this season.

Record-Breaking Viewership

The Oscars 2025 initially reported around 18.1 million viewers, indicating a slight decline from the previous year. However, after recalibrating the numbers to include digital viewership, the final count rose to 19.69 million. This figure not only eclipsed the 2024 Oscars but also marked the largest audience for the ceremony in five years.

• Comparison of Viewership:
  • 2025 Oscars: 19.69 million viewers
  • 2024 Oscars: 19.49 million viewers
  • 2020 Oscars: 23.64 million viewers (pre-pandemic)

Digital Streaming Experience

For the first time, the Oscars were available for live streaming on Hulu, which contributed to the increased viewership. Despite the excitement, some viewers faced technical difficulties, including issues logging into the app and interruptions during the final awards. Disney representatives acknowledged these glitches and apologized for the inconvenience.

Star-Studded Performances

The ceremony featured memorable performances, including a rendition from the cast of “Wicked” by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and a heartfelt tribute to Quincy Jones by Queen Latifah. O’Brien’s humorous monologue set a lively tone for the evening, although the show ultimately ran nearly four hours, ending closer to 11 p.m. ET.

Demographic Highlights

The Oscars saw a significant uptick in viewership among younger demographics, which is crucial for the future of the awards show. The ratings among adults aged 18-49 reached a 4.54 rating, a 19% increase from the previous year, while the 18-34 demographic saw a 28% rise, achieving a 3.9 rating.

Social Media Engagement

The Oscars 2025 also excelled in social media engagement, with over 104.2 million interactions recorded. This figure surpassed the 102.2 million interactions from the Grammys, highlighting the Oscars’ strong presence in the digital conversation surrounding entertainment.

In conclusion, the 2025 Oscars not only celebrated cinematic achievements but also demonstrated the evolving landscape of viewership, with digital platforms playing a pivotal role in reaching a broader audience. As the Academy continues to adapt to changing viewing habits, the success of this year’s ceremony may set a precedent for future events.

Sources

• Oscars 2025’s ratings get boost from people watching on their phones and computers, NBC News.
• 2025 Oscars TV Ratings Hit Five-Year Highs in Updated Numbers, The Hollywood Reporter.