Disney+ Announces Exclusive Oscars Broadcast
Disney+ has officially announced that it will broadcast the upcoming Oscars ceremony exclusively, marking a significant shift in the event's broadcasting rights. The 97th Oscars, scheduled for March 2, 2024, will be streamed live from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Julia Tenret, the director of acquisitions and programming for Disney+, confirmed the news during a press conference, stating, "We will be live from the red carpet at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on March 2 for this 97th ceremony." This move comes after Disney's recent decision to end its contract with Canal+, which had previously aired the Oscars.
The change in broadcasting strategy is part of Disney's broader plan to regain subscribers lost in recent months. Starting January 1, 2024, new Disney, Marvel, or Pixar films will no longer be available on Canal+, and access to Disney+ through Canal+ will also cease. Disney is now focusing on leveraging its extensive catalog to attract viewers directly to its platform.
New French Productions and Negotiations with the Film Industry
In addition to the Oscars announcement, Disney+ is also ramping up its investment in French content. The platform aims to develop new series and film projects produced in France. One notable project is a comedy series titled "Surveiller et Punir," starring Jean-Pascal Zadi, which humorously explores the lives of prison guards. This series is part of Disney's strategy to enhance its presence in the French market and cater to local audiences.
Moreover, Disney is reportedly in negotiations with the French film industry to increase its contributions to local film creation. Currently, Disney+ can only broadcast films 17 months after their theatrical release, and the company is seeking a more favorable position in the media chronology. Although Disney has not publicly commented on these negotiations, the outcome could significantly impact its content strategy in France.
The upcoming Oscars ceremony will also feature the announcement of France's representative film, following last year's success with "Anatomy of a Fall," which won the award for best original screenplay. As Disney+ continues to expand its offerings, it is also set to include popular anime series like "One Piece" and a new adaptation of the manga "Cat's Eye" in its catalog, appealing to a younger demographic.
