Here’s Who Might Stream the Oscars Next Year

by

As Oscar season really kicks into high gear, with nominations just around the corner, everyone’s wondering where we’ll be able to watch the ceremony. The bidding war for broadcast and streaming rights is officially on, and it’s getting intense! I’m keeping a close eye on it, and I’ll let you know as soon as I hear who lands the big show.

According to Variety, the Academy Awards is working on a new licensing agreement for 2025, hoping to secure a deal that lasts between five and ten years. This partnership is a significant source of income for the Academy and helps keep the Oscars a key event for the film industry.

ABC has been the primary broadcaster of the Oscars for decades and currently has the rights to air the show through its 100th anniversary in 2028. They’ve televised the majority of the ceremonies since 1976 and have a strong, longstanding relationship with the Academy.

While ABC has hosted the Oscars for years, recent developments suggest they might not be the guaranteed choice this time. They just signed a ten-year agreement to broadcast the Grammys on their television channel, streaming service Hulu, and Disney+, which has people wondering how eager ABC will be to renew their contract with the Oscars. Still, others point to ABC’s continued support, as they actively promote the Oscars through all their media, including their theme parks and cruise lines.

YouTube is still in the running to stream the Oscars. It’s become a huge platform for online video, and clips from previous Oscar ceremonies often get more views than the live show itself.

Despite the potential benefits, some industry professionals worry that holding the ceremony entirely online could upset filmmakers and performers, who might object to celebrating movies mainly on a platform owned by a large technology company.

Netflix, which was initially considering a bid, has reportedly withdrawn from the process, and CBS – now part of Paramount under David Ellison – never seriously pursued it. The Academy is expected to consider not only the amount of money offered, but also whether the platform can maintain the Oscars’ high reputation.

Putting on the Oscars is a major financial undertaking. ABC reportedly spends around $120 million annually on things like broadcast rights, production, and related expenses.

Okay, let’s talk about the recent awards show. Honestly, award show ratings haven’t been great lately, but this year’s, hosted by Conan O’Brien, actually did surprisingly well – nearly 20 million people tuned in across ABC and Hulu. That’s a five-year high, which is good news! However, it’s worth remembering that ten years ago, almost double that number – around 40 million – were watching. So, while there’s a bit of a comeback happening, we’re still a long way from the glory days.

Read More

2025-12-06 11:14