TV ratings: Oscar ratings up a bit from 2011

Accurate ratings for last night's broadcast of the 84th Annual Academy Awards won't be in until later this afternoon, so we're holding off on our usual ratings post till then. So stay tuned for the right numbers.

However, preliminary ratings are in, and it looks like the Oscars ratings have risen a wee bit compared to last year's telecast. The show garnered a 25.5 household rating/38 share, according to Nielsen's early numbers -- up 4% over the 2011 broadcast.

Did Billy Crystal have a role in the rise in ratings? Perhaps that two seconds worth of Justin Bieber in the intro paid off? Come back to our TV ratings section later to get the scoop. In the meantime, let us know: Did you watch the whole show?