The Academy Awards have been a staple of global entertainment for nearly a century, but their television viewership has been steadily declining in the modern era. Now, reports suggest that YouTube is seriously considering securing the rights to broadcast the Oscars, a move that could completely reshape the awards show experience for millions of viewers around the world.
For almost fifty years, the Oscars have aired on ABC, a Disney-owned network. This partnership is contracted to run through 2028, but YouTube’s interest signals that a major disruption may be on the horizon. Traditionally, live events like the Oscars have been dominated by television networks. If YouTube steps in, it would mark a turning point where premium live content is no longer exclusive to television.
This development ties directly into the ongoing streaming wars. For years, platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus have competed by investing billions in original series and blockbuster films. But YouTube taking a shot at one of the biggest award ceremonies in the world changes the battlefield. It suggests that the next frontier of streaming is not just original content but also live global events.
We are already seeing this trend in sports, where Amazon, Apple, and JioHotstar have invested heavily in exclusive broadcasting rights. The Oscars could be the first major awards ceremony to follow suit. Unlike paywalled platforms, YouTube would likely make the event free and ad-supported. This could revolutionize advertising by combining YouTube’s powerful targeting tools with the global excitement of a live Oscars telecast.
From a viewership perspective, the timing makes sense. In 2014, the Oscars attracted over 43 million viewers. By 2021, the number had dropped to just above 10 million, the lowest in history. Although recent years have seen some recovery, including the buzz of the “Barbenheimer” moment in 2024, audiences are still far below peak levels. Younger generations no longer tune in on cable television, and platforms like YouTube are where they spend most of their time. With more than 2.7 billion monthly users, YouTube offers the Academy a direct bridge to the next generation of viewers.
If this deal goes through, it would not only reshape how the Oscars are consumed but also force traditional networks and rival streamers to rethink their live content strategies. The question is no longer if streaming platforms will dominate live entertainment, but when.
The Oscars on YouTube could be the dawn of a new era where award shows, sports, and global cultural events live on the same platforms we already use daily.
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