HistoryData
general2008

80th Academy Awards — award ceremony presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for achievement in filmmaking in 2007

February 24, 2008

The 80th Academy Awards saw No Country for Old Men win Best Picture, while drawing the lowest U.S. viewership for the Oscars since Nielsen tracking began in 1974.

Quick Facts

Year
2008
Category
general

Key Facts

Date
February 24, 2008
Venue
Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, Los Angeles
Categories awarded
24
Top winner
No Country for Old Men (4 awards, incl. Best Picture)
U.S. television viewers
31 million
Host
Jon Stewart (second time)

By the Numbers

242,008
Date
24
Categories awarded
4
Top winner
31
U.S. television viewers

Location

Map of Los Angeles, United StatesMap of Los Angeles, United StatesLos Angeles, United States

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

AMPAS annually recognizes outstanding achievement in filmmaking across dozens of categories. The films eligible for the 80th ceremony were those released during the 2007 calendar year, with nominees selected by Academy members through the standard voting process.

Event

On February 24, 2008, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held its 80th awards ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Jon Stewart hosted for the second time, and 24 award categories were presented, with No Country for Old Men leading all films with four wins including Best Picture.

Consequence

The telecast attracted approximately 31 million viewers in the United States, making it the least-watched Oscar broadcast since Nielsen began tracking viewership in 1974. No Country for Old Men's sweep solidified its status as one of the most acclaimed films of 2007, while the low ratings prompted industry discussion about the ceremony's audience appeal.

Timeline Context

Timeline around 20082008200520062007200920102011Eurovision Song Contest 2008 — 53rd Eurovision Song ContestJanuary 2008 — month of 20082008 Formula One World Championship — 62nd season of Formula One motor racingBasketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics — basketball played during the 2008 Summer OlympicsAthletics at the 2008 Summer Olympics — athletics events at the OlympicsTennis at the 2008 Summer Olympics — Tennis events during the 2008 Summer Olympics2008 Africa Cup of Nations — football championship of AfricaHandball at the 2008 Summer Olympics — handball tournaments played during the 2008 Olympic Summer Games80th-academy-awards-award-ceremony-presented-by-the-academ-2008