YouTube secured exclusive streaming rights to the Academy Awards from 2029 to 2033, ending ABC’s dominance since 1961. The Google-owned platform beat traditional broadcasters to bring Hollywood’s biggest night to over 2 billion viewers worldwide at no cost.
Key Takeaways:
- The 101st Oscars in 2029 will stream free on YouTube globally and on YouTube TV for U.S. subscribers
- ABC retains broadcast rights through 2028 before YouTube takes over completely
- YouTube gains access to red carpet coverage, nominations announcements, and year-round Academy content
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed the partnership this Wednesday, though financial details remain private. ABC held the broadcast rights continuously since 1961, except for a brief interruption in the early 1970s.
This partnership extends far beyond the main ceremony. YouTube secured rights to stream red carpet arrivals, backstage footage, the nominations reveal, filmmaker interviews, Governors Ball coverage, educational programs, and Academy podcasts. The platform aims to create a comprehensive Oscars experience throughout the year, not just on awards night.
Oscar viewership has declined significantly over the decades. The 1998 ceremony attracted 55 million viewers, while recent broadcasts have drawn approximately 20 million. The Academy sees YouTube’s massive reach as an opportunity to reverse this trend and connect with younger audiences globally.
“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 — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community,” stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan emphasized the platform’s commitment to preserving the ceremony’s prestige. “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 staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”
The agreement makes the Oscars the first of television’s four major awards shows — alongside the Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys — to abandon broadcast television entirely for streaming distribution. Netflix previously acquired SAG Awards rights, but those ceremonies never matched the Oscars’ cultural impact.
YouTube’s victory demonstrates streaming platforms’ increasing appetite for premium live events. Traditional networks face mounting pressure as digital platforms leverage their global reach and deep pockets to secure prestigious programming once considered untouchable broadcast territory.
The transition occurs as Hollywood adapts to changing viewer habits. Younger audiences consume content primarily through streaming services and social media platforms rather than traditional television. YouTube’s free accessibility removes barriers that subscription-based streamers impose, potentially expanding the Oscars’ reach beyond current limitations.
ABC maintains broadcasting duties for four more ceremonies, giving the network time to adjust its programming strategy. The longtime Oscars broadcaster must now reconsider its Sunday night lineup for future years without its most prestigious annual event.
Written by Alius Noreika
