The Academy Awards are embarking on their most significant transformation in decades, announcing an exclusive four-year partnership with YouTube that will bring Hollywood’s premier ceremony to a global streaming audience starting in 2029. This landmark decision signals the entertainment industry’s continued evolution toward digital-first distribution models.
YouTube’s acquisition includes comprehensive rights to the entire Oscars experience, from the main ceremony through red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and Governors Ball access. Additionally, the platform will host year-round Academy content including awards for student filmmakers, educational programming, podcasts, and intimate filmmaker interviews.
The Academy’s leadership has framed this decision as a natural progression for an organization with increasingly international membership. Currently, 21% of Academy voters reside outside the United States, and this partnership with a globally accessible platform ensures these members and international film communities receive equal access to Academy programming and celebrations.
YouTube’s readiness for this responsibility is evidenced by its dominant position in streaming viewership and recent successes with live event broadcasting. The platform’s first NFL game attracted over 17 million viewers in September, demonstrating its technical capability and audience reach for major live events.
The transition timeline allows ABC to broadcast three more ceremonies, culminating with the prestigious 100th anniversary show in 2028. This provides a respectful conclusion to ABC’s five-decade relationship with the Oscars while giving the Academy and YouTube adequate time to prepare for the historic transition in 2029.