AceShowbiz - The 2026 Oscars, hosted by Conan O'Brien, experienced a notable decline in television viewership when it aired live on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The ceremony attracted a total audience of 17.86 million viewers across ABC and Hulu platforms, marking a four-year low in ratings for the prestigious event.

This figure represents a 9% decrease compared to last year’s broadcast, which drew 19.69 million viewers. Despite this downturn, the 2026 Oscars maintained their status as the most-watched entertainment telecast of the 2025-26 TV season, outperforming the Grammys, which had 14.41 million viewers, and the Golden Globes, which attracted 8.66 million viewers.

The ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrated the best achievements in film over the past year. One Battle After Another was awarded Best Picture, while Paul Thomas Anderson took home Best Director and also earned Best Adapted Screenplay. Sinners stood out with Michael B. Jordan winning Best Actor and Ryan Coogler receiving Best Original Screenplay honors.

Conan O'Brien, who hosted the event, was praised for his performance throughout the night. In fact, executives at Walt Disney Television have already expressed intentions to bring him back as a host. Rob Mills, executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment, hinted at plans for O'Brien’s return, stating, "Oh, that is no joke, Conan is host for life, yes." Although O'Brien has yet to formally accept, Mills indicated that the network is treating this as a confirmed plan.

The ceremony also featured the annual In Memoriam segment, honoring those from the film industry who passed away over the last year. Tributes were made to several notable figures, including Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, Catherine O'Hara, and Rick Reiner. Emotional moments on stage highlighted the contributions of these stars as their former colleagues remembered them.

Despite the heartfelt tributes, the segment sparked controversy due to the omission of some industry members. Fans expressed disappointment on social media over notable absences such as Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek. Film critic Mara Reinstein defended the Academy’s decision, explaining that the In Memoriam segment has limited slots and tends to prioritize film actors over those more associated with television. She noted that these omissions were anticipated given the constraints and the focus on the Oscars broadcast.

In response to the criticism, the Academy expanded the In Memoriam list on its official website. This extended tribute included additional names like Julian McMahon, James Ransone, Danielle Spencer, Loretta Swit, George Wendt, and Demond Wilson, offering a broader recognition beyond the televised segment.

The 2026 Oscars marked the end of the awards season with a ceremony that balanced celebration and reflection. Industry insiders acknowledged the challenges of producing such a large-scale live event amid ongoing global issues. Nevertheless, the event succeeded in bringing Hollywood’s brightest stars together for a night of recognition and entertainment.

While ratings showed a decline from previous years, the broadcast’s viewership figures still outpaced other major awards shows this season. The combination of Conan O'Brien’s hosting, high-profile winners, and emotional tributes ensured that the Oscars remained a key cultural moment in the entertainment calendar.

Moving forward, the Academy and broadcasters appear committed to maintaining the Oscars’ prominence. With plans to retain O'Brien as host and efforts to address audience feedback regarding the In Memoriam segment, the ceremony aims to enhance its appeal and inclusivity in future editions.

Ultimately, the 2026 Oscars reflected both the evolving landscape of television viewership and the enduring significance of honoring cinematic achievements. As the industry continues to adapt, the show’s ability to draw millions of viewers highlights its ongoing relevance and influence within the entertainment world.