A Historic Shift for Hollywood’s Biggest Night

YouTube has secured the exclusive global rights to stream the Academy Awards beginning in 2029, marking a major turning point for one of the entertainment industry’s most iconic events. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed the agreement on Wednesday, revealing that the Google-owned platform outbid several competitors — including ABC, which has been the Oscars’ primary broadcast partner since 1961, aside from a short interruption in the early 1970s.

Under the new agreement, YouTube will debut as the Oscars’ streaming home with the 101st Academy Awards in 2029, with the deal extending through 2033. ABC will continue to air the ceremony until 2028. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Streaming Takes Center Stage

The move underscores YouTube’s expanding influence in the television and live-events space, as major cultural broadcasts increasingly shift from traditional television to digital platforms. Beginning in 2029, the Oscars will be streamed live and free to more than 2 billion viewers worldwide on YouTube, while also being available to YouTube TV subscribers in the United States.

The Academy’s decision comes amid a long-term decline in Oscar viewership. Ratings have dropped significantly from a high of 55 million viewers in 1998 to around 20 million in recent years, pushing the organization to seek new strategies to reconnect with global audiences.

Academy Sees Global Opportunity

Academy leadership framed the partnership as a way to modernize and expand the reach of its programming.

“We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor in a joint statement.

“The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.”

More Than Just the Awards Ceremony

The agreement goes far beyond the live broadcast of Oscar night. As part of the deal, YouTube will also host a wide range of official Academy content, including:

• Red carpet coverage

• Behind-the-scenes programming

• Oscar nominations announcements

• Interviews with Academy members and filmmakers

• Access to the Governors Ball

• Film education initiatives

• Podcasts and additional digital content

This expanded content strategy aims to keep audiences engaged year-round, rather than focusing solely on the annual ceremony.

YouTube’s Cultural Play

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan emphasized the cultural significance of the partnership and its potential to inspire future creators.

“The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry,” Mohan said in a statement.

“Partnering with the Academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”

A First for Major Awards Shows

While streaming platforms have previously acquired awards rights — Netflix currently holds rights to the SAG Awards — this agreement is unprecedented in scale. It marks the first time one of the four major awards shows — the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, or Tonys — will move entirely away from broadcast television in favor of exclusive streaming.

For the media and entertainment industry, the deal signals a decisive shift in how premium live events are distributed, consumed, and monetized in the digital age.

Author: Din Kumar