About 18.7 million people watched the Oscars Sunday night, a 12% increase from last year’s drama-filled ceremony and the most since 2020.
The numbers were released by Walt Disney Co.’s ABC network, which broadcast the show. Last year’s program, best remembered for actor Will Smith smacking comedian Chris Rock over a joke about his wife, drew 16.7 million viewers.
Sunday’s broadcast was a more subdued affair. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was the big winner, picking up best picture and six other trophies over some of the highest-grossing pictures in Hollywood history.