Possible Streaming Partner for Next Year’s Oscars Revealed

With Oscar nominations just eight weeks away, the race isn’t only for artists and filmmakers, it’s also heating up behind the scenes over who will broadcast the ceremony.

Sources speaking to Variety say the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has been negotiating a new TV rights deal throughout 2025, seeking a 5-10 year agreement that would secure both revenue and visibility for the awards.

ABC has been the Oscars’ longtime home and currently holds the rights through the 100th ceremony in 2028. Over the summer, media reports suggested other players, including Netflix and YouTube, were exploring the possibility of airing the show.

However, sources familiar with the talks confirmed to Variety that Netflix is no longer involved. CBS, which is part of David Ellison’s Paramount, reportedly never engaged seriously despite earlier reports.

YouTube remains in the mix, according to insiders. The Google-owned platform has grown rapidly as a source of viewership for award show clips, often generating more attention online than broadcast partners see for the live telecast.

One source noted, “YouTube earns far more viewership on clips and speeches from past Academy Awards than the broadcast partners earn for the live event itself.”

ABC, part of Disney, has aired most Oscars since 1976 and is considered a key partner for AMPAS. The network is said to hold a deep institutional knowledge of the show. Some insiders worry ABC might not be the most aggressive bidder this time, though others argue the network remains heavily committed, citing Disney’s corporate synergy that promotes the Oscars through theme parks, cruises, and cross-promotions on ABC and Hulu. “The Grammys deal in no way diminishes ABC’s commitment to Hollywood’s biggest night,” one source said.

ABC reportedly spends around $120 million annually on the Oscars, covering rights, production, and related support. While this is a major investment, ratings have been declining across all awards shows.

The 2025 telecast hosted by Conan O’Brien pulled in a five-year high of 19.69 million viewers across ABC and Hulu, but that is far below the nearly 40 million who tuned in a decade ago.

For YouTube, the financials are tricky. Insiders say the Academy would expect a premium for selling to a digital-only platform. Concerns have been raised about celebrating cinema on a tech-owned streaming service and the challenge of the Oscars appearing alongside other YouTube content.

It’s clear the battle over who streams the Oscars is shaping up to be as intense as the competition for the golden statues themselves. With ABC’s legacy and YouTube’s growing digital reach, the decision will likely weigh both tradition and audience reach.

Keeping the Oscars on a major broadcast network seems important for maintaining their prestige and theatrical focus. Streaming is exciting, but the Oscars have always been a communal TV event, and shifting completely online might alienate longtime viewers. What do you think, should the Oscars stay on traditional TV or move to streaming? Share your thoughts in the comments.