The 97th Academy Awards saw a notable increase in viewership, drawing 19.7 million viewers, particularly among the 18 to 49 age demographic, despite the winning film "Anora" being a smaller production. Conan O'Brien's debut as host was a key factor in attracting the largest audience in five years, with his comedic style resonating well with viewers. Due to this success, the film academy has announced O'Brien will return to host the 98th Academy Awards, highlighting their confidence in his ability to engage audiences and enhance the event's entertainment value.