The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a significant shift in how the Oscars will be broadcast, with a multi-year agreement to stream the Academy Awards on YouTube starting in 2029 and continuing through 2033. This partnership was disclosed on Wednesday and marks a transition from the current domestic relationship with Disney and ABC, which lasts until 2028.
Under the new arrangement, YouTube will provide exclusive streaming rights that encompass not only the awards ceremony but also red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and access to the Governors Ball. This content will be accessible to YouTube TV subscribers in the United States and available for free on YouTube globally.
Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the Oscars as a vital cultural institution that celebrates storytelling and artistry. He emphasized the potential for this partnership to inspire a new generation of film enthusiasts while honoring the legacy of the Academy Awards.
The current domestic broadcast partnership with Disney and ABC includes preparations for the 100th Academy Awards in 2028, after which the transition to YouTube will take place. Academy officials, including CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor, noted that this new agreement aims to broaden access to the Academy's work, potentially benefiting both Academy members and the wider film community.
The decision to partner with YouTube reflects ongoing changes in media consumption and an effort to reach a larger, more diverse audience in an evolving digital landscape.