2024 Oscars had highest viewership since pandemic, surpassing last year’s numbers
The 96th Academy Awards: A Resurgence in Viewership
The 96th Academy Awards attracted a whopping 19.5 million viewers on Sunday, marking the largest audience since the pre-pandemic highs of 2020.
According to Variety, this number slightly surpassed last year’s 18.8 million viewers. The outlet also highlighted that the broadcast received an impressive 3.8 rating among the key demographic of adults aged 18-49.
The Oscars aired one hour earlier than usual, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET and concluding at 10:30 p.m.
These numbers signify a remarkable rebound following the 2021 awards show, which garnered a record-low viewership of just 10.4 million due to the ongoing COVID pandemic. The 2021 event, initially scheduled for February, was held in person in April with no host and limited invitations.
Viewership began climbing again in 2022 with 16.6 million tuning in, and the ratings have been steadily increasing ever since.
“Oppenheimer” Dominates the 96th Academy Awards
This year’s Oscars ceremony was dominated by the historical drama “Oppenheimer,” which triumphed in seven out of the 13 categories it was nominated for, including the highly coveted Best Picture. The film also secured wins for Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), Best Director (Christopher Nolan), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.), Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, and Best Film Editing.
“We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb, and for better or for worse, we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world,” expressed Murphy during his acceptance speech.
The second most successful film of the night was “Poor Things,” which secured victories in four out of its 11 nominated categories, including Best Actress for Emma Stone.
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Meanwhile, the Martin Scorsese drama “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” went home empty-handed. The summer blockbuster “Barbie” only secured a win for Best Original Song (“What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell).
The event was once again hosted by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who received mixed reviews for some of his jokes. Viewers were particularly taken aback when Kimmel poked fun at Best Supporting Actor winner Robert Downey Jr.’s past struggles with substance abuse over twenty years ago.
What factors contributed to the significant leap in viewership for the 96th Academy Awards?
2 million viewers, but the 96th Academy Awards marks a significant leap in viewership. The increase in numbers can be attributed to several factors that contributed to the resurgence of interest in the Oscars.
Firstly, the return of a live, in-person event added a level of excitement and anticipation that was missing in the previous year. The 2021 Oscars were held with minimal attendees and no host, which resulted in a lackluster show that failed to capture the attention of viewers. The 2022 awards show, however, brought back the glamour and spectacle that the Academy Awards are known for, which undoubtedly rekindled the interest of the audience.
Additionally, the postponement of the show from its usual February schedule to April allowed for a more extensive campaign to promote the event. This extended promotional period allowed for increased awareness and anticipation, ultimately driving more viewers to tune in. The buzz surrounding the films and performances nominated for the prestigious awards generated excitement among movie enthusiasts, leading to a surge in viewership.
Furthermore, the Academy made efforts to diversify its nomination pool in response to previous criticism of lack of inclusivity. The recognition of diverse talents and stories, such as the historic nominations of actors of color and the inclusion of films with diverse perspectives, attracted a broader and more diverse audience. The Academy’s acknowledgment and celebration of underrepresented voices in the industry contributed to the resurgence in viewership.
The engaging and entertaining nature of the awards show itself also played a role in the increased viewership. With memorable moments, heartfelt speeches, and captivating performances, the 96th Academy Awards drew in viewers who were eager to witness the celebration of artistry and creativity on display.
It is worth mentioning the impact of streaming platforms on the viewership of the Oscars. With the rise of platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, audiences nowadays have more options to consume content. However, the consistent presence of movies from streaming platforms among the nominees, and their success in winning awards, could have contributed to the increased interest in the awards show. In a way, the Oscars serve as a platform to recognize and legitimize the quality of films and series available on streaming platforms, further attracting viewers to watch the event.
In conclusion, the 96th Academy Awards experienced a resurgence in viewership, marking a significant increase since the pandemic-induced decline in 2021. Various factors, including the return of a live event, extended promotional period, recognition of diverse talents, and engaging content, contributed to the renewed interest in the awards show. The industry and audiences alike can celebrate this resurgence in viewership as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Oscars and the power of film to captivate and bring people together.
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