The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that YouTube secured exclusive streaming rights for the Oscars starting in 2029, outbidding competitors including ABC, which hosted the ceremony since 1976 except for a brief period in the early 1970s, amid declining viewership ratings.
YouTube, owned by Google, will broadcast its first Oscars ceremony as the 101st edition in 2029. The agreement extends through 2033, covering five annual events. ABC retains broadcasting rights through 2028, maintaining continuity for the immediate years ahead. Financial details of the deal remain undisclosed by both parties.
The ceremony will stream live and free to more than 2 billion viewers worldwide via the YouTube platform. In the United States, access extends to YouTube TV subscribers, broadening availability beyond traditional television audiences.
Oscar viewership peaked at 55 million in 1998 but has declined to approximately 20 million in recent years. This trend prompted the Academy to pursue alternative distribution strategies to engage larger and more diverse audiences.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor released a joint statement: “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.” They continued, “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.”
Beyond the main ceremony, the partnership encompasses extensive additional programming on YouTube. This includes red carpet coverage capturing pre-show arrivals and interviews, behind-the-scenes content offering glimpses into production processes, the Oscar nominations announcement delivered live, interviews with Academy members and filmmakers providing insights into their work, access to the Governors Ball post-ceremony event, film education programs aimed at audiences interested in cinema techniques, podcasts featuring discussions on industry topics, and further related content.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan issued a statement: “The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry.” He added, “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.”
