The Oscars drew 17.9 million viewers on Sunday night, a 9 percent decline from last year’s telecast, marking the first drop since 2021. This follows similar ratings falls for the Grammys and Golden Globes, ending a four-year rise for the Academy Awards. The telecast’s decline occurred despite mostly positive reviews for host Conan O’Brien and the ceremony itself, which awarded ‘One Battle After Another’ best picture and saw ‘Sinners’ win four Oscars, including Michael B. Jordan’s first acting award.

Oscars organizers moved the event to avoid clashing with the Winter Olympics, but a different sporting event may have siphoned viewers. The World Baseball Classic’s close U.S.-Dominican Republic semifinal drew 7.4 million viewers on Fox Sports 1, a significant cable number. This competition reflects how the Oscars’ once-dominant ratings are now challenged, especially as media companies rarely program major events opposite the show anymore.

ABC’s half-century partnership with the Oscars ends after 2028. In 2029, the ceremony will stream exclusively on YouTube, a shift that lessens the immediate impact of ratings declines for the Academy. The Nielsen ratings include both ABC viewers and Hulu streamers.