Oscars ceremonies to air on ABC through 2028

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- ABC will continue airing Academy Awards ceremonies honoring excellence in film through 2028.

"We're honored to continue our storied and successful partnership with ABC in broadcasting the most- watched, live-entertainment event of the year," Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said in a statement Wednesday. "In 2028, we'll mark the Oscars' 100th anniversary, and ABC is the perfect partner to help us celebrate the magic of movies with our fans. On behalf of the academy, I thank Jim Gianopulos, our academy treasurer and chair of the board's finance committee, and Disney/ABC's Ben Sherwood, for leading these efforts."

"After hosting the Academy Awards more than 50 times, ABC has become the home for Hollywood's most prestigious and glamorous night of television. With this new landmark agreement, ABC is proud to showcase the Oscars all the way to their centennial celebration in 2028," added Sherwood, co-chairman of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney/ABC Television Group. "Broadcast television brings together the biggest audiences with high-quality, live events, and ABC has the brightest, boldest lineup in the business. We look forward to teaming with the academy to bring Oscar Sunday to even greater creative heights as we spotlight motion-picture magic and honor the achievements of the most talented members of the film industry."

The 89th Academy Awards gala is to take place Feb. 26 at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles. No host has been announced yet.

Chris Rock was the emcee of this year's event in March when Spotlight was declared 2015's Best Picture.