YouTube has won the exclusive global rights to stream the Oscars, starting in 2029. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the landmark partnership on Wednesday. The Google-owned platform outbid other contenders, including the Oscars’ longtime home, ABC. This ends the network’s streak of hosting the awards show since 1976, with only a brief interruption in the early 1970s.
YouTube’s first broadcast will be the 101st Oscars in 2029, and its deal will run through 2033. ABC will continue to broadcast the ceremony until 2028. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
This move marks a major shift for one of television’s most prestigious events. It highlights YouTube’s growing dominance in the television space and signals a broader trend of streaming services taking on more live events. The ceremony will be available live and for free to more than two billion viewers globally on YouTube, as well as to YouTube TV subscribers in the United States.
The decision comes as Oscar ratings have steadily declined from a peak of 55 million viewers in 1998 to closer to 20 million in recent years. This prompted the Academy to explore new ways to reach audiences.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor issued a joint statement. They said, “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. 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.”
As part of the deal, YouTube will not only broadcast the main ceremony but also provide extensive additional content. This will include red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes features, the Oscar nominations announcement, interviews with Academy members and filmmakers, Governors Ball access, film education programs, and podcasts.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan also released a statement. He said, “The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry. 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 this is not the first time a streaming service has acquired rights to an awards show, it is a significant first. Netflix previously secured the rights to the SAG Awards. However, this marks the first time one of the major four awards shows—the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys—will leave broadcast television entirely for a streaming platform.