YouTube is entering the race to host the Academy Awards, according to a report from Bloomberg. Traditionally broadcast on ABC, the Oscars are now attracting interest from various media companies eager to secure the rights to this prestigious event. In recent years, streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video have expanded their offerings to include live events, aiming to attract more subscribers and boost ad revenue.
According to sources cited in Bloomberg’s report, YouTube has expressed interest in acquiring the rights to the Oscars. The Google-owned platform has been actively pursuing live event opportunities through its YouTube TV service, which already features the NFL Sunday Ticket. Just this week, YouTube celebrated a record-breaking number of live viewers for Taylor Swift’s appearance on the New Heights podcast hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce.
Currently, the Academy Awards will continue to air on ABC through 2028, as part of an existing agreement with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Any new deal would potentially take effect in 2029. The Oscars have been up for negotiation since the spring when ABC’s exclusive negotiating period ended. The Academy was prepared to explore options with other networks and platforms, primarily due to a proposed increase in license fees that led to a stalemate with ABC.
Last year, AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer praised Disney-ABC as an “amazing partner” but expressed optimism that the next deal for the Oscars would prove to be “very lucrative,” regardless of the winning bidder. Should YouTube successfully acquire the rights, it could significantly change the landscape of this iconic awards show, which has seen declining viewership in recent years. As the most popular video platform globally, YouTube could potentially bring in a fresh audience and revitalize interest in the Oscars.
