'The biggest commercial juggernaut ever': Why the Oscars peaked in 1998 - and the real reason why they've slumped 85.2%
BBC - By Nicholas Barber - 2/25/2026, 11:00 AM
The most-watched Academy Awards ceremony ever was a lavish affair in which Titanic won 11 Oscars. Since then, viewing figures have plummeted. But why? Whatever treats are in store at this year's Academy Awards, it's safe to assume that none of them will involve an enormous Kodiak bear. Things were different in 1998. At the 70th Oscars,... more