The Academy Awards has lost some of its aura over the years, owing to declining ratings and several PR glitches. But last Wednesday the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that Disney-owned ABC had sold out of its ad inventory for the 91st annual Academy Awards show to be broadcasted on February 24, 2019. Advertisers don't seem to mind the low ratings.
These 'pod' advertising spots will be 30 seconds estimated to be worth between $2-$2.6 million each. The Oscars, one of the most prestigious television events outside of live sports, is generally watched live. These slots are crucial for the show to recoup its broadcasting costs which is estimated to be about $44 million. For example, this year’s Super Bowl boasted a $5.25 million price tag for 30-second ads.
Viewers are expected to see advertisements from big business houses like Cadillac, Google, Rolex, Verizon, Walmart, Budweiser, McDonald’s, Paramount and Walt Disney Studios, among others. Many of these ads will be catered to the event or will be debuts for marketers.
Another important ad during the broadcast will come from Marriott International that will show a 30-second promo for its hotels and a 60-second ad for its rewards program.
This is indeed striking as this type of ‘pod’ advertising will be used for the first time in the history of Oscars, although this format has been used previously in other platforms like YouTube.