Oscars 2025's ratings get boost from people watching on their phones and computers

About 19.7 million people watched the 97th Academy Awards, a five-year high, according to Disney.

The 97th Academy Awards drew about 19.7 million viewers, marking a five-year high in total viewers and rating among adults ages 18 to 49, according to Disney.

Nielsen, which tallies ratings, initially reported that about 18.1 million people had tuned into this year's ABC telecast, which would have indicated a 7% dip from the 19.5 million people who tuned in last year.

However, by Tuesday, the numbers were recalculated to include the "dramatic growth with younger viewers from mobile and PC viewings," according to Disney. About 1.65 million of viewers were watching on digital devices.

Sunday's ceremony, led by former late night host Conan O'Brien, packed plenty of star power, with a "Wicked" performance from Oscar nominees Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and a musical tribute to the late Quincy Jones from Queen Latifah.

The film academy slated an earlier start time for the show, 7 p.m. ET, with the goal of having it wrap up by around 10:30 p.m. ET.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/oscars-2025-ratings-high-viewers-digital-devices-rcna194751

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