The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that YouTube will become the exclusive global streaming home for the Oscars beginning with the 101st ceremony in 2029. This landmark deal marks a significant shift in how one of television’s most prominent events will be distributed, ending ABC’s 68-year run as the primary broadcaster (with a brief hiatus in the early 1970s).
A Major Transition to Streaming
The agreement extends through 2033, while ABC will continue to air the Oscars through 2028. Though financial details remain undisclosed, the move underscores YouTube’s growing influence in live event broadcasting and the broader trend of audiences migrating to streaming platforms. The Academy cited the potential to reach a worldwide audience of over 2 billion viewers through YouTube’s free and subscription-based services (including YouTube TV in the US).
Why This Matters: Declining Ratings and Global Reach
This decision comes at a time when traditional television viewership of the Oscars has been in decline. Peak ratings reached 55 million in 1998, but recent ceremonies have attracted closer to 20 million. The Academy clearly seeks new avenues for engagement, and YouTube’s massive global reach offers a solution.
“This partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor.
Beyond the Broadcast: A Comprehensive Content Package
The deal isn’t limited to the live ceremony. YouTube will also stream red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes footage, nomination announcements, interviews with filmmakers and Academy members, Governors Ball access, film education programs, podcasts, and additional content. This expanded offering aims to create a year-round Oscars experience.
YouTube’s Position in the Future of Live Events
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan stated that the Oscars are “one of our essential cultural institutions.” By partnering with the Academy, YouTube reinforces its position as a key player in the future of live event distribution, bridging the gap between traditional entertainment and the evolving digital landscape.
The move to YouTube represents a bold step for the Academy, betting on the platform’s reach to revitalize interest in the Oscars and ensure its continued relevance in an increasingly fragmented media environment.
