The American telecast on ABC drew in an average of 37.19 million people over its length , which was a 2 % decrease from the previous year 's ceremony . However , the show drew higher Nielsen ratings compared to the previous ceremony with 27.5 % of households watching over a 43 share . Many media outlets pointed out that the broadcast earned higher ratings compared to the final game of the 1987 NCAA Men 's Division I Basketball Tournament which was airing on CBS that same night
previous year 's ceremony
58th Academy Awards
59th Academy Awards