Roughly 15.36 million people watched Sunday’s live Academy Awards broadcast on Walt Disney Co’s ABC network, a major jump from last year but the second-lowest audience ever, according to preliminary ratings data.
The figure for the film industry’s highest awards rose 56% from last year’s record-low ratings, ABC said on Monday. Early estimates for the 2021 show, which was scaled down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, came in at 9.85 million viewers.
An updated tally that will include viewership via live stream and at out-of-home locations such as bars and restaurants will be released on Tuesday.
TV viewership of many awards ceremonies has dropped in recent years. Oscars producers tried a new format this year with three hosts and less time allotted to awards for sound mixing and other film craft categories.
But the most talked-about moment of the night occurred when Will Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock’s face on stage shortly before Smith was named best actor.
