The American telecast on ABC drew in an average of 37.8 million people over its length , which was a 2 % decrease from the previous year 's ceremony . Moreover , the show drew lower Nielsen ratings compared to the previous ceremony with 27.3 % of households watching over a 43 share . At the time , it earned the lowest viewership for an Academy Award telecast and the lowest ratings for any broadcast
previous year 's ceremony
57th Academy Awards
58th Academy Awards