YouTube Secures Exclusive Rights to Stream Oscars from 2029
YouTube has made headlines by winning exclusive rights to stream the Oscars starting in 2029, as announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday. This move marks a significant shift in the landscape of television, with the Google-owned platform outbidding other contenders, including ABC, which has been the longtime home of the Oscars since 1976.
The first Oscars show to be streamed on YouTube will be the 101st ceremony in 2029, with the deal set to run through 2033. Prior to this, ABC will continue to broadcast the ceremony until 2028.
The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but the implications of this partnership are far-reaching. YouTube’s growing dominance in the television space and the rise of streaming services for live events have played a significant role in this decision. The Oscars will now be available live and for free to over 2 billion viewers globally on YouTube, as well as to YouTube TV subscribers in the United States.
With declining viewership numbers in recent years, the Academy saw an opportunity to reach a larger audience through YouTube. The move to stream the Oscars on the platform aims to revitalize interest in the awards show and engage viewers in new ways.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed their excitement about the partnership with YouTube, stating that it will allow the Academy to expand its reach to a global audience. The deal includes not only the broadcast of the ceremony but also additional content such as red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and more.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan emphasized the cultural significance of the Oscars and the platform’s commitment to honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry. The partnership with the Academy is seen as an opportunity to inspire creativity and foster a new generation of film lovers.
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While streaming services have previously secured rights to awards shows, such as Netflix with the SAG Awards, this marks the first time one of the big four awards shows will transition entirely to streaming, signaling a new era in the entertainment industry.
