The Oscars always bring excitement, but TV ratings haven’t been kind in recent years. Many wonder if awards shows are still relevant to today’s audiences, especially younger viewers.
Yet, something big happened this year—the Oscars 2025 Hits 5-Year High in Total Viewers.
With 19.69 million people tuning in, the show reached its best numbers since 2019. It also topped primetime ratings for entertainment programs this season. This blog breaks down why the event was a hit—from key winners to record-breaking social buzz and contests.
Find out what made this year special!
Key Takeaways
- The Oscars is the top primetime entertainment show of the 2024-2025 season, attracting 19.69 million viewers and earning a 4.54 rating among adults 18-49.
- The show saw a big jump in young adult viewers, growing 28% from last year’s telecast (3.05 rating) and reaching its highest rating in six years, since February 24, 2019.
- The 97th Oscars sparked a huge buzz online with 104.2 million social interactions, making it the most talked-about TV event of the season. For the first time ever, it beat both ‘The Grammy Awards’ (102.2 million) and ‘The Super Bowl’ (62.4 million) in social media engagement.
The 97th Oscars Event
The 97th Oscars dazzled with star-studded moments and unforgettable wins. From the glamorous venue to standout performances, the night sparkled with excitement.
Date and Location
The 97th Oscars took place on March 3, 2025 (12 AM GMT). It was held at the famous Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, California.
Host and Notable Winners
Conan O’Brien brought his sharp humor as host of the 97th Academy Awards. His energy kept viewers entertained throughout the ABC telecast, making it a standout primetime entertainment event.
Kieran Culkin earned Best Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain,” showcasing his incredible talent. Cynthia Erivo wowed fans with her stunning performance and walked away with Best Actress.
Sean Baker’s film captured hearts, winning Best Picture. These Oscar nominees made history on a night filled with applause and excitement!
Achievements in Total Viewership
The Oscars hit a five-year peak in viewership, drawing millions to their screens. Younger viewers showed strong interest, boosting key ratings for the ABC telecast.
Five-year high in total viewership
Oscars viewership reached 19.69 million this year, the highest in five years. This milestone proved significant for the ABC telecast and marked a major win for primetime entertainment.
Younger viewers also contributed to this surge, with key demographics boosting Academy Awards ratings noticeably.
The broadcast gained more traction than in recent years, surpassing other primetime shows like American Idol. Nielsen reported strong results despite technical issues during parts of the event.
These record-breaking numbers underscore renewed public interest in the Oscars and its star-studded appeal.
Ratings in key demographics
The 97th Oscars ceremony achieved impressive milestones in terms of ratings. The event marked significant growth across key demographics, setting records for the past five years.
| Demographic | Rating | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Adults 18-49 | 4.54 | Highest in five years |
| Adults 18-34 | 3.90 | 28% increase year-over-year |
| Total Viewers | N/A | No. 1 primetime telecast for the season |
Ratings among adults aged 18 to 49 saw a 4.54 score. This was the best performance in half a decade. Among viewers aged 18 to 34, the rating jumped by 28% compared to the previous year’s 3.05. Among total viewers, the event became the top-rated primetime entertainment broadcast for the 2024-2025 television season.
Social Engagement
The Oscars sparked lively chatter across social platforms. Social interactions outshined several other big events this year.
Total social engagement for the 97th Oscars soared to staggering levels, showcasing record-breaking activity across online platforms. The event captured 104.2 million total social interactions, cementing its dominance over other major broadcasts this year.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Social Interactions | 104.2 million total interactions |
| Comparison with Major Events | Outperformed other broadcasts in 2023 in social engagement |
| Platforms Measured | Included Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok |
| Academy’s Engagement Boost | Marked significant growth in Academy interactions |
| Social Highlights | Live tweets, viral videos, red carpet moments |
This surge in digital conversations demonstrates the Oscars’ ability to remain culturally relevant in the modern media landscape.
Comparison with other major events
Transitioning from social interactions, the Oscars® delivered a staggering performance this year compared to other significant entertainment events. The numbers reveal how the ceremony stood out in online engagement. Below is a comparison of the Oscars® with two of the biggest events of the year: The Grammys and The Super Bowl.
| Event | Total Social Interactions |
|---|---|
| The Oscars® | 104.2 million |
| The Grammys | 102.2 million |
| The Super Bowl | 62.4 million |
The Oscars® achieved an impressive 104.2 million social interactions. This number outshines both The Grammys, which recorded 102.2 million, and The Super Bowl, totaling 62.4 million. These figures highlight the Academy Awards’ growing dominance in digital conversations, surpassing even sports mega-events.
The Academy saw a huge jump in online activity this year. Social interactions soared by 82%, totaling over 64 million likes, comments, and shares. This marks a significant achievement compared to past years.
Younger viewers played a big role, engaging more with platforms like Instagram and Twitter during the ABC telecast.
This rise outperformed many other primetime entertainment events. The Oscars’ social buzz matched its high viewership numbers—highlighting stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo made waves online.
This surge reflects growing interest among fans eager to celebrate winners like Sean Baker and Kieran Culkin while sharing their favorite moments live.
Oscars Pickem Contest
The Oscars Pickem Contest set a record for participation this year, drawing in thousands of fans. Its growing popularity highlights the audience’s excitement and eagerness to engage directly with the event.
Participation and entry records
The fourth annual Oscars Pickem contest saw record participation. Running from January 23, 2025, to March 2, 2025, it drew 110,012 unique visitors—a strong 8% increase compared to the previous year.
Entries reached an all-time high of 122,161. This marked an impressive growth of 11%. Partnered by ESPN and ABC, the contest highlighted rising audience interest during this primetime entertainment telecast.
Takeaways
The 97th Oscars broke records and brought people together. Its massive viewership showed the event’s lasting appeal. Social interactions soared, proving its power beyond TV screens.
Fans engaged deeply with contests and content, boosting excitement. This year proves the Oscars remain a cultural force worth celebrating.
