'Oscars' 2028 Shake-Up: Will Streaming Platforms Overtake ABC?
YouTube competes with streaming giants Amazon and Netflix for Oscars.
I never thought I’d say this, but the idea of YouTube hosting the Oscars actually feels like the shake-up the ceremony needs. For nearly fifty years, ABC has been the official broadcaster, yet despite that prestige, the Oscars have been losing viewers year after year.
Even the brilliant 2025 ceremony, fronted by Conan O’Brien and widely praised as the best in years, couldn’t fully disguise the long-term decline.
YouTube vs ABC in the Oscars Race
ABC’s contract runs until 2028, but the Academy is already in negotiations about what happens next. Bloomberg's report suggests YouTube has put itself forward, eager to expand further into live events.
From my perspective, that’s exactly the kind of accessibility the Oscars need. Watching on YouTube would cut through barriers — no cable, no complicated streaming deals, just a global stage open to anyone with internet access.
The Competition for Hosting Rights
Of course, YouTube isn’t the only contender. Netflix, Amazon, NBC and CBS are also circling. Some of them even have an advantage by offering both traditional broadcast and streaming options. But for the Oscars, which desperately need to capture younger audiences, YouTube might be the boldest choice.
Why a Move to YouTube Could Help the Oscars
The truth is, the Oscars must evolve to stay relevant. A digital-first home could reignite excitement, boost viewership, and bring Hollywood’s most glamorous night into the future. And in my view, YouTube might just be the platform to pull it off.
