Donald Trump has ridiculed the Academy Awards, suggesting that the ceremony suffered its lowest-ever TV ratings because "we don't have stars anymore".

An all-time low 26.5m viewers tuned in for Sunday night's show, a 19% drop from last year.

Taking the opportunity to criticise the politically charged event, President Trump tweeted: "Lowest rated Oscars in HISTORY.

"Problem is, we don't have stars anymore - except your President (just kidding, of course)!"

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Lowest rated Oscars in HISTORY. Problem is, we don’t have Stars anymore - except your President (just kidding, of course)! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 6, 2018

The drop in Oscars viewers continued the trend of progressive disinterest in the awards.

According to Nielsen, who published the ratings, the figures only include those who watched the show live on TV and do not count views on digital platforms.

The Republican National Committee has claimed that the drop was the result of winners and presenters using the stage to make political statements.

Predicting low ratings last week, RNCs spokesman Steve Guest said: "If last year's dismal ratings didn't make it clear, Americans aren't interested in Hollywood liberals blabbing about politics to a room full of Hollywood liberals.

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"They're busy taking their 'crumbs' to the bank after Republicans delivered on tax cuts," he told Variety.

Some media pundits are blaming the lack of blockbusters nominated for the all-time low, with the biggest-selling movies of the year being left out.

As recently as four years ago, the ceremony had an audience of 43.7m viewers - nearly twice as much.

Oscars 2018: Story of the night

That year had box office and critical hits nominated, including Birdman, Boyhood, The Grand Budapest Hotel and Whiplash.

Still, this year's best picture winner The Shape Of Water drew more people to the cinema than last year's Moonlight.