OSCAR Night Ratings Bring Good News for ABC

Based on very preliminary reports, ratings for ABC's 84th ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS telecast appear to be an improvement over last year's show. The broadcast averaged a 25.5 household rating and 38 share in the overnight metered markets according to the ABC network. Last year's telecast earned a 24.5 household rating and a 37 share, making the show the highest rated Oscar broadcast since 2005.

The awards ceremony was produced by Brian Grazer and Don Mischer and hosted by comedian Billy Crystal. The show marked Crystal's ninth time as host. Only Bob Hope has hosted more Academy Awards presentations, with 19 ceremonies between 1940 and 1978. Crystal last hosted the Academy Awards in 2004.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world's preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards - in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners - the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.