In a seismic shift for one of the world's most-watched entertainment events, the Oscars will move from traditional television to a digital streaming giant. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a new, exclusive global broadcasting deal with YouTube, ending a half-century partnership with the ABC network.
A New Digital Era for the Academy Awards
The landmark agreement will commence in 2029 and run through to 2033. This means ABC will continue to air the ceremony until 2028, which will mark the 100th Oscars event. From 2029 onwards, however, the awards show will be broadcast for free to a worldwide audience exclusively on the YouTube platform.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor heralded the change as a major step towards global accessibility. In a statement, they expressed that the partnership is designed to leverage YouTube's vast international reach to expand the Academy's audience. They emphasised the goal of celebrating cinema, inspiring new filmmakers, and providing unprecedented access to film history on a global scale.
Beyond the Main Ceremony: A Multifaceted Partnership
The deal extends far beyond the iconic annual Oscars night. YouTube will also gain exclusive rights to broadcast a suite of other prestigious Academy events. This includes the Governors Awards, the Oscars Nominations Announcement, the Nominees Luncheon, the Student Academy Awards, and the Scientific and Technical Awards.
Furthermore, the collaboration involves Google, YouTube's parent company. Through its Google Arts & Culture initiative, Google will work with the Academy to digitise parts of the Academy Collection and provide digital access to exhibitions from the Academy Museum, which opened in Los Angeles in 2021.
Embracing Innovation While Honouring Legacy
Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, stated that the Oscars remain an essential cultural institution. He affirmed that the partnership aims to honour the awards' storied legacy while using YouTube's platform to inspire a new generation of film lovers and creators with innovative engagement opportunities.
This move signals a definitive pivot in how major cultural ceremonies are distributed, prioritising free, direct-to-viewer digital access over traditional pay-TV models. It underscores the increasing power of streaming platforms in securing flagship live events and redefining their audience reach for the 21st century.
