Oscar Ratings Up Over 2012

OSCAR RATINGS UP: Last night’s Oscar telecast on ABC hit its highest ratings since 2007, averaging a household rating of 26.6.41 share, a 4% boost from last year’s 25.5/38, with Billy Crystal hosting. Six of the nine Best Picture nominees have topped $100 million at the box office this year. It was the highest-rated Academy Awards since 2007?s 27.7/42, when Ellen DeGeneres hosted. Last night’s show hit its peak during the 10–10:30 p.m. time period, when it got a 27.5/41. Among the 18-49 demographic, Sunday’s broadcast received a 15.7/40, also strongly up from last year. Time-period adjusted fast nationals ratings are expected later this morning. Other past show ratings: 24.6/37 (2011), 26.5/40 (2010), 23.3/35 (2009) and 21.9/33 (2008). (2/25a)