And the Oscars go to … ABC again: Network extends broadcast deal through 2028

ABC and the Oscars will remain as tied together as peanut butter and jelly for the foreseeable future. The broadcasting company and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday that they have extended an agreement for domestic broadcast rights for the Academy Awards through 2028.

With the deal renewed, ABC will remain the home of the Oscars. The contract wasn’t all that close to ending, given that it ran through 2020, but ABC and the aAcademy were clearly thinking ahead. Apparently, the partnership is working out for both parties, and neither wanted to let the other get away.

“The Academy’s partnership with ABC has been one of the most enduring in Hollywood,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson in a press release. “Both the Academy and ABC set high bars for excellence, and ABC has a proven passion to help us deliver a great show to our global audience.  We couldn’t think of a more trusted collaborator to further our mission of inspiring and connecting the world through film.”

The deal also gives ABC a chance to mark a special event: the 100th anniversary of the Oscars, which takes place in 2028. With ABC having already hosted the Academy Awards more than 50 times, the awards show should be in good hands for such a historic occasion.

“We are elated the Oscars will continue to call ABC home,” said Channing Dungey, president of ABC Entertainment. “The ceremony is an important part of network programming, and we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with the Academy and delivering a multifaceted, and multiplatform, ceremony celebrating the world’s biggest stars and honoring excellence in filmmaking.”

It hasn’t been revealed how much ABC has paid to air the Oscars through 2028, but the partnership is poised to continue to produce golden moments and memories. ABC will next broadcast the Academy Awards on Sunday, February 26, 2017.