Oscar Awards Sees Increase In Viewers After Will Smith Slap

The Academy has pushed for more viewers all year, but they didn't plan to gain them with a controversy.

The Oscars — like all major award shows — have been losing viewers for years. Many have criticized the show for being too political or just too boring to tune into. 

That was until last night. The ceremony garnered an average 15.3 million viewers — 5 million more than last year — with many showing up after hearing of actor Will Smith slapping presenter and comedian Chris Rock live on the Oscar stage.

The Academy has been working on garnering more viewers all year ... but not like that.