For decades, the Oscars have always found a home on US broadcaster ABC, but the tradition is set to end soon. In a surprise move that’s bound to shake up the entertainment industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has closed a multi-year deal with YouTube, giving it exclusive global rights to the telecast starting in 2029.
The Disney-owned network will continue to air the awards ceremony until 2028, after which the main event, alongside red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, the Governors Ball, Academy member and filmmaker interviews, podcasts, and more will be made available live and for free on the streaming platform to viewers around the world, as well as to YouTube TV subscribers in the US from 2029 through 2033.
As Variety reports, sources familiar with the matter stated that commercials will still be aired, with YouTube believed to have paid over nine figures for the Oscars, beating the eight-figure bids from Disney/ABC and NBCUniversal. While specifics about the newly inked partnership remain unclear, including viewership metrics and creator access details, the inclusion of features such as closed captioning and audio tracks in multiple languages offers a leg up in accessibility.
“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,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor, in a joint statement.
“The Academy is an international organisation, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community. This collaboration will leverage YouTube’s vast reach and infuse the Oscars and other Academy programming with innovative opportunities for engagement while honouring our legacy. We will be able to celebrate cinema, inspire new generations of filmmakers and provide access to our film history on an unprecedented global scale.”
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan added, “The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honouring 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 staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”
The most recent Oscars ceremony, or the 97th Academy Awards, aired earlier in March, with Sean Baker’s Anora taking home the top honour of five awards. The 2026 iteration is set to take place on 15 March, after the finalisation of nominations across all categories on 22 January. When 2029 rolls around, the event will be in its 101st run.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
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