Overview

• YouTube has inquired about acquiring the rights to broadcast the Oscars starting in 2029.
• NBC has emerged as another bidder, reviving its historical ties to the Academy Awards broadcast.
• ABC’s current contract runs through 2028, leaving the 2029 ceremony open for competitive negotiation.
• The push for new media partners follows a Nielsen‐measured viewership increase to 19.6 million for the 97th Academy Awards.
• Neither the Academy nor YouTube has commented publicly as negotiations continue with multiple broadcasters and platforms.