Oscars Move to YouTube Streaming in Multi-Year Deal Starting 2029

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a landmark deal to stream the Oscars ceremony on YouTube beginning in 2029. This multi-year agreement will make the awards show freely available to a worldwide audience via YouTube’s livestreaming platform, complete with multi-language audio tracks and closed captioning.

The New Streaming Partnership

According to the announcement, the exclusive rights to the Oscars will transfer to YouTube for a period starting in 2029 and running through 2033. The deal encompasses not only the main ceremony but also the red carpet pre-shows and the Governors Ball. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor stated the partnership will “expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible” and provide “innovative opportunities for engagement.”

Current Broadcast Schedule

For fans wondering about the immediate future, the Oscars will remain on ABC, a Disney-owned network, which holds the broadcast rights until 2028. The next ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 15.

Industry Impact and Potential Changes

The move to a digital-first platform like YouTube marks a significant shift for the prestigious event. Reports from Variety indicate YouTube secured the rights with a nine-figure offer, surprising industry observers who expected a traditional network like NBCUniversal to win the bid.

This change could profoundly alter the production of the Oscars broadcast. Unlike traditional network partners, YouTube is not expected to impose constraints on the ceremony’s length or format. An insider suggested the platform’s approach could allow for a more flexible show, potentially even one that runs longer and features unconventional hosting choices.

Leadership Statements

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan celebrated the partnership, calling the Oscars “one of our essential cultural institutions.” He emphasized that bringing the event to a global YouTube audience will “inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers.”

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