The Oscars telecast was seen by 40.3 million people, a slight increase over last year's show.

The Nielsen Co. said Monday it was the most-watched Oscars telecast in three years. Last year's show, when "The Artist" won best picture, had an audience of 39.3 million people. After bringing in "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane as host this year, ABC saw an 11 percent ratings boost over 2012 among viewers ages 18 to 49 years old.

The Academy Awards exceeded 40 million viewers four times in the previous 10 years.

The Oscars regained its traditional status as most-watched awards show, after the Grammy Awards topped it last year.