Ratings for this Sunday’s Oscars experienced a resurgence from last year’s all-time low, drawing an estimated 36.3 million viewers in the U.S.

That’s an increase of more than four million viewers from the 2008 ceremony, when “No Country for Old Men” won for best picture.

Canadian viewership was also up, with 4.5 million people watching on CTV for a one per cent increase from last year, according to preliminary BBM Nielsen Media Research numbers.

Despite the larger audience, the show was still the third-lowest-rated Oscars. The 2003 ceremony, which saw “Chicago” receive the best picture award, was second-lowest.

In contrast, the 1998 ceremony scored the largest Oscar audience on record with 55.2 million viewers. The blockbuster “Titanic” took top honours that year.

This year’s Academy Awards featured actor Hugh Jackman as host and a revamped format, which included having a different past winner present each nominee in the acting categories.

“Slumdog Millionaire” was the night’s big winner with eight awards, including best picture.






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