There’s a lot happening as we count down the weeks to the Oscar nominations. The buzz isn’t just about movies—it’s about who will air the ceremony. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is on a quest for a new broadcasting deal, a crucial partnership that brings in revenue and keeps the spotlight on movies as an essential art form.
Currently, ABC holds the Oscar rights until 2028, coinciding with the 100th Oscars. However, they’re facing more competition than ever. Unconventional bidders like NBCUniversal and YouTube are in the running, as media concerns grow around the costs associated with hosting the show in this financially shaky environment.
Recent discussions reveal that Netflix has stepped back from the bidding. As the streaming giant re-evaluates its strategy, CBS, owned by Paramount, wasn’t seriously interested in the first place. Interestingly, NBCUniversal is now a strong contender. Their recent success with the Summer Olympics showed they can handle big live events. They have strong relationships with talent and a wealth of marketing potential, especially with the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 enhancing their publicity. Donna Langley, head of NBCUniversal, seems well-positioned to build a great Oscars campaign.
YouTube, on the other hand, boasts impressive viewership stats and has become a go-to platform for clips from past Oscars. According to Nielsen, it has been the most popular TV app in the U.S. for two years. Some insiders believe that while the Oscars might attract a huge digital audience, a traditional award show on a tech giant’s platform could feel off for many filmmakers.
ABC isn’t giving up easily. The network has aired the Oscars longer than any other—since 1976. While some sources suggest ABC is less aggressive in negotiations, others argue that their long-standing relationship with the Academy gives them the edge. They intertwine the Oscars with Disney promotions across various platforms, making it an integral part of their brand.
A key issue in these talks is money. Reports suggest ABC spends around $120 million a year on the Oscars—covering rights, production, and more. With ratings for award shows declining in the streaming era, this is a hefty investment. The viewership dipped from nearly 40 million a decade ago to about 19.69 million recently, showcasing the challenge traditional networks face today.
As negotiations continue, the big question remains: who will secure the rights to the Oscars? The outcome of this battle will shape how Hollywood’s biggest night reaches audiences in the coming years.
For more insights on Oscars broadcasting history and audience trends, check out Variety and Nielsen for up-to-date statistics and analysis.
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