The Academy Awards will begin airing exclusively on YouTube in 2029, marking a pivotal change for the iconic ceremony. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a multi-year deal with YouTube, granting the platform the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
Scheduled for March 15, the Oscars have been broadcast on ABC for the past five decades, but this transition signifies an adaptation to the evolving media landscape. The show will be available live and for free on YouTube, extending its viewership to a global audience.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor emphasized the partnership’s potential to enhance accessibility for Academy members and the film community worldwide. 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, they stated.
Ratings for the Oscars and other awards shows, such as the Golden Globes and Grammy Awards, have been declining, highlighting an industry in transition. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan described the Oscars as a vital cultural institution, emphasizing the goal of inspiring future generations of film enthusiasts.
Despite the shift, ABC is committed to hosting the Oscars for the next three ceremonies remaining in its contract. As Hollywood navigates significant changes, including studio mergers and production cuts, this new streaming agreement may redefine how audiences engage with one of the most celebrated events in film.
