In a landmark shift for one of the world's most-watched entertainment events, the Oscars ceremony will move from traditional television to a global streaming platform. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a new exclusive broadcasting partnership with YouTube, marking the end of a five-decade era on American network ABC.
A New Digital Era for the Academy Awards
The new deal is set to run for five years, from 2029 through to 2033. This seismic change concludes the 50-year tenure of ABC as the ceremony's broadcaster, a relationship that began in the 1970s. ABC will continue to air the Oscars until the end of its current contract in 2028.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor jointly stated that the partnership was forged with the goal of dramatically expanding global access to the Academy's work. The move is strategically designed to engage a significantly wider and younger audience by leveraging YouTube's unparalleled worldwide reach.
YouTube's Vision for the Oscars' Legacy
YouTube's CEO, Neal Mohan, emphasised the cultural significance of the agreement. He highlighted the platform's potential to inspire new generations of film lovers and creative talent, while simultaneously honouring the rich legacy and history of the Oscars. The deal ensures the ceremony will be broadcast exclusively and for free to a worldwide audience via YouTube.
Beyond the main ceremony, the expansive agreement includes broadcasting rights for other prestigious Academy events throughout the year. Furthermore, it initiates a significant archival and educational partnership with Google Arts & Culture. This collaboration will focus on digitising the vast Academy Collection and providing innovative digital access to the Academy Museum's exhibitions.
Implications for the Future of Awards Broadcasting
This decision signals a profound evolution in how major cultural events are distributed and consumed. By choosing a free, digital-first platform like YouTube, the Academy is prioritising universal, barrier-free access over traditional pay-TV models. The move is likely to reshape not only the viewership demographics of the Oscars but also the strategies of other major awards bodies contemplating their own broadcast futures.
The partnership represents a full embrace of the digital age, aiming to secure the relevance and accessibility of the Oscars for the next half-century. As the final broadcasts on ABC approach, the industry will watch closely to see how this transition redefines one of entertainment's most iconic nights.
