The producers of this year’s Academy Awards almost certainly have one number on their minds: 32.9 million. That’s how many people tuned into the 2017 telecast, the second-lowest rating since 1974, when Nielsen began measuring the data. More than ever, the Academy needs eyeballs on ABC come Sunday night at 8 p.m.
Luckily, they have a few things working in their favor. Several blockbusters that the average person has actually seen — including “Dunkirk” and “Get Out”— are up for top prizes. While the winners of many of the categories may come as no surprise to film fans who’ve been keeping tabs on other film awards leading up to the Oscars, Best Picture is still anyone’s guess. And, perhaps, most intriguing of all, returning host Jimmy Kimmel is bound to address the fiasco that was #EnvelopeGate at last year’s ceremony.
That’s in addition to the usual pomp that draws a large chunk of viewers in. “Black Panther” stars Chadwick Boseman and Lupita Nyong’o are presenting, as well as other big names such as Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey and Emma Stone. Musical performers include Mary J. Blige and Common, and, of course, eye-popping red-carpet looks can be expected from nominees like Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie.
But, while ratings may be what concerns producers, there are plenty of other interesting narratives to come out of this year’s Oscars. Here are a few key numbers to know.













