Nielsen, about 9. 85 million people watched last night's (25 April) telecast, which marks a 58 percent drop from last year’s record low.
As The New York Times points out, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was expecting a ratings drop this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic shuttering movie theaters and putting a damper on televised awards ceremonies.
ABC, which broadcasts the ceremony, does not guarantee an audience size to Oscar advertisers. According to The New York Times, Google, General Motors, Rolex and Verizon spent an estimated $2 million for each 30-second spot in this year's telecast, which is only a slight decline from last year.
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