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Bear Roars: Oscars' Wildest Moment Remembered
25 Feb
Summary
- Bart the Bear, a 9ft 7.5in Kodiak, presented an Oscar.
- The 1998 Oscars ceremony was the most-watched ever.
- Viewing figures have significantly decreased since 1998.
The 70th Academy Awards ceremony in 1998 remains the most-watched in television history, a lavish celebration during a golden decade for the awards. This event, which saw Titanic win 11 Oscars, also featured a memorable appearance by Bart the Bear, a towering Kodiak bear who, with his trainer's assistance, presented an award.
This ceremony represented a pinnacle of the Oscars' popularity and populist appeal. However, in the years since 1998, viewing figures have experienced a significant decline. Producers today may look to understand the cultural phenomenon of the 1998 event and analyze what led to the subsequent drop in viewership.
Other highlights from the 1998 ceremony included a montage of all previous best picture winners and a special tribute to director Stanley Donen. A unique "family photo" also brought together every surviving best actor and actress winner.
