MOVIE NEWS – Many contenders are fighting for the spotlight in the race to host the Academy Awards, but no clear winner has emerged yet. YouTube, owned by Google, has made no secret of its ambition to expand into live events, and according to a fresh report, it is determined to grab Hollywood’s biggest night — though it faces fierce competition, especially from ABC, which has broadcast the Oscars for the past 48 years and counting.

ABC’s current contract runs until 2028, ensuring that the star-studded ceremony will remain on the network for now. However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is said to be “in the middle of negotiations” with several parties to decide where the show will land next, Bloomberg reports. YouTube has already expressed interest in acquiring the broadcasting rights, a move that could draw major attention and potentially boost the platform’s audience reach.

Netflix and Amazon are also reportedly in the race, aiming to secure the coveted event for their streaming services, while traditional players like Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Paramount’s CBS remain strong contenders. Their dual ability to offer both broadcast TV and streaming platforms could provide them with an edge. The report also highlights that “at least three of the bidders own major movie studios that prioritize theaters,” which may tip the balance in their favor.

The 2025 Oscars Were Praised as the Best in Years

The Academy Awards had suffered from steadily declining ratings in recent years. Still, the 2025 ceremony was widely celebrated as the best in recent memory, putting the show back into the cultural spotlight. Viewers applauded the overall production, the star-studded lineup of presenters, and especially the performance of Conan O’Brien, who nailed his hosting duties and kept audiences laughing, starting with a sharp monologue that poked fun at the controversy surrounding Netflix’s Emilia Pérez.

The positive reception was immediate, prompting the Academy to rehire O’Brien for another year quickly. The 98th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, giving the comedian ample time to prepare for his sophomore outing. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang issued a joint statement saying: “We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff, and Mike for the 98th Oscars. This year, they produced a hugely entertaining and visually stunning show that celebrated our nominees and the global film community in the most beautiful and impactful way. Conan was the perfect host — skillfully guiding us through the evening with humor, warmth, and reverence. It is an honor to be working with them again.”

Last year’s Oscars aired on ABC in the U.S. and, for the first time, streamed live on Hulu, which likely contributed to a ratings boost. The broadcast drew more than 19 million viewers, marking the show’s biggest audience in five years. The 2026 ceremony is expected to follow the same hybrid model, but 2029 could mark the beginning of a new era altogether.

Source: MovieWeb