In a move that reshapes entertainment broadcasting landscape, YouTube has secured exclusive global rights to the Academy Awards through a comprehensive four-year agreement commencing in 2029. This historic partnership marks traditional television’s loss of Hollywood’s most prestigious ceremony, embracing digital streaming platforms as the future for delivering premium live entertainment to worldwide audiences with enhanced interactivity and accessibility.
The extensive agreement provides YouTube with year-round Academy content far exceeding the main ceremony. Coverage includes complete red carpet festivities, unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, exclusive Governors Ball footage, the Governors Awards, nomination announcement events, the nominees Luncheon, Student Academy Awards recognition, in-depth Academy member interviews, filmmaker conversations, comprehensive film education programs, podcasts, and additional content designed to maintain sustained audience engagement with filmmaking excellence throughout the entire awards cycle.
The Academy’s leadership characterized this decision as strategically essential for their organization’s international mission. With membership now comprising 21% voters from outside the United States, Bill Kramer and Lynette Howell Taylor emphasized that global digital distribution better serves their increasingly diverse constituency. This alignment between organizational demographics and distribution strategy positions the Academy to fulfill its mission of celebrating cinematic excellence while ensuring accessibility for members, filmmakers, and audiences worldwide.
Neal Mohan, serving as YouTube CEO, expressed enthusiasm about stewarding one of entertainment’s most distinguished institutions. He committed to preserving the Oscars’ celebrated legacy while leveraging digital innovation to inspire future creative generations and cultivate new film enthusiasts. This balanced approach recognizes that successful cultural stewardship requires respecting established traditions while embracing technological advancement that enhances accessibility and engagement for evolving audiences.
The announcement reflects broader entertainment industry trends toward streaming dominance over traditional broadcasting. YouTube achieved record viewership shares in America throughout the current year, consistently outperforming network television. The platform’s successful September live NFL broadcast attracted over 17 million viewers, demonstrating sophisticated production capabilities for major live events. Multiple media giants including Netflix, NBCUniversal, and Disney competed for these rights, with Disney previously paying approximately $100 million annually. ABC will broadcast its final three Oscar ceremonies through 2028, concluding a relationship exceeding half a century and including the upcoming centennial celebration.