The 84th Academy Awards honored the best films of 2011, with The Artist winning Best Picture among its five awards and the telecast drawing over 39 million viewers.
Key Facts
- Date
- February 26, 2012
- Host
- Billy Crystal (9th time hosting)
- Categories awarded
- 24
- Top winner
- The Artist (5 awards, incl. Best Picture)
- U.S. viewership
- More than 39 million viewers
- Broadcast network
- ABC
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sought to revitalize interest in its annual awards by adjusting nomination rules, allowing between five and ten Best Picture nominees based on voting results rather than a fixed number, as announced by academy president Tom Sherak on June 14, 2011.
The 84th Academy Awards ceremony took place on February 26, 2012, at the Hollywood and Highland Center Theatre in Los Angeles. Hosted by Billy Crystal and produced by Brian Grazer and Don Mischer, the event presented Oscars in 24 categories. The Artist led all films with five wins, including Best Picture, while Hugo also earned five awards.
The ceremony attracted more than 39 million viewers in the United States, reflecting strong public interest. The Artist's sweep brought renewed attention to silent-era filmmaking aesthetics, while Hugo, The Descendants, and Midnight in Paris each received significant recognition, affirming a diverse range of cinematic achievements for films released in 2011.