Yesterday’s tradition-breaking awards ceremony paid off nicely for ABC. Hugh Jackman instead of a comedian as host? Previous award winners presenting the acting categories? Both were gambles that contributed to the telecast’s ratings rebound.

• The 81st Annual Academy Awards drew in 36.3 million viewers. That’s up from last year’s record low (32 million) when No Country for Old Men won Best Film.
• The broadcast became the third smallest Oscars ceremony ever. (The 2003 telecast - Chicago‘s year - comes in behind at 33 million.)
• Despite it’s ranking in Academy history, the event was the most-watched entertainment program since the 2007 Oscars. That includes episodes of American Idol.
• The broadcast also had the best demos (12.1 in 18-49) for any entertainment-related program since Idol in February 2008.