The show received a negative reception from most media publications . Associated Press television critic Frazier Moore lamented that Crystal " seemed incredibly listless " . He also questioned the purpose of the " Year of the Woman " theme writing , " The Oscar show itself seemed at odds with its own feminist theme . " Robert Bianco from the '' Pittsburgh Post-Gazette '' derided Allen 's musical production numbers , comparing them to the disastrous opening number at the 61st ceremony held in 1989 . Columnist Matt Roush of '' USA Today '' complained , " Crystal , in a by-now-familiar performance , has , in four years , taken a plum assignment and , by repetition , reduced it to shtick . " He also wrote that , " The song medley is getting old hat , " and the " smug references to his flop '' Mr. Saturday Night '' were out of an improv amateur night . " The telecast also received unfavorable reaction from various public feminist figures . In an interview with '' Los Angeles Daily News '' author and activist Betty Friedan condemned the " Year of the Woman " theme commenting , " It had no basis in reality . On behalf of women directors , cinematographer , and producers , I resent the travesty of calling that a tribute . " Likewise , President of the National Organization for Women 's Los Angeles chapter Tammy Bruce chastised ceremony 's feminist tribute as " one of the most hypocritical , patronizing things I saw in my whole life . " In response , Gil Cates responded towards the criticism of the theme stating , " The theme developed and raised consciousness in a way that I think is positive , not only for the individual in general but for individual women specifically . " He also quoted an ancient Chinese proverb later made famous by former U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt saying , " It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness " Despite the adverse reception , the ABC broadcast drew in an average of 45.7 million people over its length , which was a 3 % increase from the previous year 's ceremony . The show also drew higher Nielsen ratings compared to the previous ceremony with 31.2 % of households watching over a 51 share . It also drew a higher 18 – 49 demo rating with a 20.1 rating among viewers in that demographic
previous year 's ceremony
64th Academy Awards
65th Academy Awards