YouTube has secured exclusive rights to stream the Academy Awards beginning in 2029, marking a historic shift for one of the world’s most-watched entertainment events. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the agreement on Wednesday, confirming that the partnership will run through 2033.
The deal ends ABC’s near-continuous run as the Oscars’ broadcast home, a relationship that dates back to 1961 and was interrupted only briefly in the early 1970s. YouTube, owned by Google, reportedly outbid several contenders, including ABC, though financial terms were not disclosed.
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The first ceremony under the new agreement will be the 101st Academy Awards. It will be streamed live and free on YouTube to more than 2 billion global users, while also being available through YouTube TV for subscribers in the United States.
The move reflects a broader shift in the media industry as streaming platforms increasingly compete for live event rights. It also highlights YouTube’s growing role as a major distributor of premium, real-time content beyond short-form and creator-driven videos.
The Academy’s decision follows a long-term decline in Oscar viewership, which has fallen from a peak of about 55 million viewers in 1998 to roughly 20 million in recent years. Officials have indicated that expanding global access and engaging younger audiences were key factors behind the partnership.
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor said the agreement aligns with the organization’s international mission. They emphasized that YouTube’s global reach would allow more people to engage with the Oscars and year-round Academy programming.
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Under the deal, YouTube will also produce red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes features, nominations announcements, filmmaker interviews, Governors Ball access, and educational content. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan described the Oscars as a vital cultural institution and said the partnership aims to inspire a new generation of creators.
While other streamers have acquired awards shows before, including Netflix with the SAG Awards, this marks the first time one of the major “big four” ceremonies will move entirely off traditional broadcast television.