Highlights:
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YouTube wins exclusive global streaming rights for the Oscars from 2029 to 2033
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ABC’s 60+ year run as Oscars broadcaster ends after 2028
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The 101st Oscars ceremony and subsequent events will stream live and free on YouTube globally
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The shift addresses declining TV ratings and targets younger viewers on digital platforms
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The agreement includes the ceremony, red carpet, backstage access, and additional Academy content
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that YouTube will become the exclusive global streaming platform for the Oscars starting in 2029. This marks a significant shift as the awards move away from traditional US broadcast television, ending ABC’s more than 60-year tenure as the Oscars’ television home.
The new streaming deal runs from the 101st Oscars ceremony in 2029 through to 2033. Until 2028, ABC will continue to air the Oscars as usual. After that, viewers worldwide will be able to watch the live ceremony, red carpet coverage, and other Academy events for free on YouTube. In the United States, audiences will also have access to the Oscars via YouTube TV subscription.
The Academy did not disclose the financial terms of the deal. However, this transition underscores the ongoing effort to engage younger audiences who increasingly consume entertainment online rather than through traditional TV. The move also aims to reach a larger, global audience by leveraging YouTube’s broad international reach.
Why the YouTube Oscars Deal Matters
Historically, the Oscars attracted huge television audiences — over 50 million viewers in 1998. Recently, however, TV ratings have declined to around 20 million or less, with younger viewers often opting to watch clips on mobile devices or skipping live broadcasts altogether.
The Academy’s leadership emphasized the need to expand access beyond US broadcast networks. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor said the organization aims to “expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible.” The partnership with YouTube reflects a strategic pivot to digital-first platforms that appeal to younger and international viewers.
What YouTube Will Stream During the Oscars
The YouTube deal covers more than just the awards night. Alongside the live broadcast of the ceremony, YouTube will stream the red carpet arrivals, behind-the-scenes footage, and the Governors Ball event. The Academy’s YouTube channel will also host filmmaker interviews, nomination announcements, educational content, podcasts, and more.
Google’s Arts & Culture division will support digital archival initiatives linked to the Academy Museum and a vast film archive containing over 52 million items valued at approximately £41 million ($50 million). This suggests the Oscars page on YouTube could evolve into a year-round destination for film enthusiasts.
Accessibility features will include closed captions and audio tracks in multiple languages, reflecting YouTube’s claim of serving over 2 billion users globally.
Benefits for YouTube in Hosting the Oscars
For YouTube, securing the Oscars streaming rights is a significant branding achievement. CEO Neal Mohan described the Oscars as “one of our essential cultural institutions.” Hosting the Oscars enhances YouTube’s position as a global platform for major live cultural events.
YouTube already commands strong live streaming audiences in gaming, news, and sports through influencers. Adding the Oscars gives YouTube cultural credibility and control over a major Hollywood event that traditional broadcast networks have historically dominated.
Unlike platforms like Netflix that stream other awards shows such as the SAG Awards, YouTube is the first among the “big four” digital platforms to secure exclusive global rights to a major entertainment awards ceremony and fully bypass traditional TV broadcast.
This deal keeps viewers engaged on YouTube’s platform for full event coverage as well as clips, commentary, and short-form reactions — all of which support YouTube’s advertising revenue model.
