Other media outlets received the broadcast more positively . Columnist Harold Schindler of '' The Salt Lake Tribune '' wrote , " Billy Crystal kept things moving Monday night in such a manner that the extra quarter-hour was scarcely noticeable . " He also said of the telecast 's theme of film history , " The Academy used its film library to excellent advantage . " Film critic Leonard Maltin remarked , " Emotions ran high and they gave us all a chance to feel vicariously what it might be like to win this kind of award ... good guys finishing first and the part of Hollywood we like best , a happy ending . " '' Orlando Sentinel '' film critic Jay Boyar complimented Crystal for invigorating the gala noting that his " clever remarks at the academy 's 63rd annual awards presentation struck an entertaining balance between inside-Hollywood quips and general-audience jests . " The American telecast on ABC drew in an average of 42.7 million people over its length , which was a 6 % increase from the previous year 's ceremony . An estimated 76 million total viewers watched all or part of the awards . The show also drew higher Nielsen ratings compared to the previous ceremony with 28.4 % of households watching over a 48 share . It was the most watched Oscars telecast since the 56th ceremony held in 1984
56th ceremony
56th Academy Awards
63rd Academy Awards