Oscars to Stream Exclusively on YouTube Starting in 2029

YouTube Secures Exclusive Rights to Broadcast the Oscars

Starting in 2029, the Oscars will be exclusively streamed on YouTube. This announcement was made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday.

A Shift in Broadcasting

Google’s platform successfully outbid other networks, including ABC, which has been the traditional home of the awards show since 1961. A brief interruption occurred in the early 1970s, but ABC consistently hosted the ceremony thereafter.

The agreement between YouTube and the Academy will commence with the 101st Oscars in 2029 and extend through the 2033 ceremony.

Financial Details Remain Confidential

The specific financial terms of this landmark deal have not been publicly revealed.

A Growing Trend in Live Event Streaming

This represents a significant change for a major television event. It underscores YouTube’s increasing influence in the television landscape and the broader trend of live events migrating to streaming platforms.

The Oscars ceremony will be accessible live and without charge to over 2 billion viewers globally via YouTube. Access will also be provided to subscribers of YouTube TV within the United States.

Declining viewership figures have prompted this change. Ratings have decreased from a high of 55 million in 1998 to approximately 20 million in recent years, leading the Academy to seek innovative methods of audience engagement.

Statements from Leadership

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor jointly stated their enthusiasm for the partnership. They emphasized the global reach and benefits for Academy members and the film community.

“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 said.

Expanded Content Offering

Beyond the live ceremony, YouTube will also feature:

• Red carpet coverage
• Behind-the-scenes content
• The Oscar nominations announcement
• Interviews with Academy members and filmmakers
• Access to the Governors Ball
• Film education programs
• Podcasts
• And more.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan highlighted the cultural significance of the Oscars. He expressed the platform’s commitment to inspiring creativity and preserving the awards’ legacy.

A First for Major Awards Shows

While other streaming services, such as Netflix with the SAG Awards, have acquired rights to awards shows, this marks the first time a major awards show – the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, or Tonys – will move entirely from broadcast television to a streaming service.