High Price for Great Films – Oscar’s Lowest Ratings in 20 Years

Ouch, the Hollywood Reporter announces that the Oscar telecast had its lowest ratings in two decades:

According to ABC’s very preliminary household metered market overnights, the awards averaged a 21.9 rating/33 share. That’s down a sharp 21% from last year and the lowest on record in at least 20 years. The more accurate fast national ratings have been delayed by Nielsen and should be available midday.

We knew it was coming. It’s all over but the Drudge Report shoutin’.

But wait, it gets worse: The AP reports, “The Oscars are a ratings dud. Nielsen Media Research says preliminary ratings for the 80th annual Academy Awards telecast are 14 percent lower than the least-watched ceremony ever.”