29.6 million watched this year's Oscars, up 12% from last year

TheWrap

The host-less 91st Academy Awards ceremony was up 12% from last year's all-time low of 26.5 million total viewers. It was the first time in five years that the Oscars saw its ratings rise. Despite the viewership gains, 29.6 million is the second-lowest Oscar viewership since Nielsen started keeping track in 1974. ALSO: Lack of a host posed some problems inside the theater.