YouTube Secures Exclusive Rights to Broadcast the Oscars Starting in 2029
The Academy Awards are moving to YouTube. In a landmark deal announced today, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has awarded exclusive rights to broadcast the Oscars to Google’s video platform, beginning with the 91st ceremony in 2029. This marks a significant shift for the prestigious awards show, ending a 68-year run with traditional broadcaster ABC.
End of an Era for ABC and the Oscars
For decades, ABC has been synonymous with the Oscars, airing the ceremony since 1961 with only a brief interruption in the early 1970s. The network’s long-standing partnership with the Academy has provided a consistent platform for celebrating cinematic achievement. However, the changing media landscape and the desire to reach a wider, more global audience have prompted this historic change.
A New Home for Hollywood’s Biggest Night
The agreement between YouTube and the Academy will span five years, running through the 2033 ceremony. While ABC will continue to broadcast the Oscars through the 100th edition in 2028, the transition to YouTube signals a clear embrace of digital distribution. “We are thrilled to enter into a comprehensive, global partnership with YouTube to make it the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming,” stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor in a joint release. “The Academy is an international organization and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the Academy’s work to the widest possible audience worldwide, for the benefit of our members and the entire film community.”
Beyond the Broadcast: A Comprehensive Partnership
The partnership extends far beyond simply broadcasting the live ceremony. YouTube will also feature extensive red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, Oscar nomination announcements, interviews with Academy members and filmmakers, access to the exclusive Governors Ball, film education programs, and dedicated podcasts. This expanded content offering aims to create a year-round Oscars experience for fans.
Financial Details Remain Confidential
While the financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed – as was widely anticipated – industry observers believe both the Academy and YouTube are satisfied with the arrangement. The move reflects a broader trend of streaming services vying for premium live event rights.
Spotify Enters the Video Arena
Interestingly, the announcement arrives as Spotify prepares to launch more video content beginning in 2026, potentially adding another layer of competition in the streaming video space. This suggests a growing emphasis on video as a key component of the future media landscape.
The shift to YouTube represents a bold step for the Academy, positioning the Oscars for a new era of accessibility and engagement in a rapidly evolving entertainment world.
