Gilbert Cates took the opportunity to emphasize films instead of chorus girls." She also extolled Crystal's performance acknowledging that his "nimble opening number set a Johnny Carson comic tone." Ratings and reception The American telecast on ABC drew in an average of 40.24 million people over its length, which was a 5% decrease from the previous year's ceremony. An estimated 69.31 million total viewers watched all or part of the awards. The show also drew lower Nielsen ratings compared to the previous ceremony with 27.82% of households watching over a 49.42 share. In July 1990, the ceremony presentation received five nominations at the 42nd Primetime Emmys. Two months later, the ceremony won one of those nominations for Outstanding Art Direction for a Variety or Music or Programming (Roy Christopher and Greg Richman). See also 10th Golden Raspberry Awards 32nd Grammy Awards 42nd Primetime Emmy Awards 47th Golden Globe Awards 43rd British Academy Film Awards 44th Tony Awards List of submissions to the 62nd Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film References Bibliography External links Official websites Academy Awards Official website The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Official website Oscar's Channel at YouTube (run by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) Analysis 1989 Academy Awards Winners and History Filmsite Academy Awards, USA: 1990 Internet Movie Database Other resources 1989 film awards 1990 in American cinema 1990 in Los Angeles Academy Awards ceremonies March 1990 events in the United States Academy Television shows directed by Jeff Margolis