YouTube Secures Exclusive Rights to Stream the Oscars in Historic Global Deal

The Academy Awards are moving to a new, free home. Starting in 2029, the Oscars ceremony will be livestreamed globally on YouTube. The multi-year deal runs through 2033.

This marks a major shift for Hollywood’s biggest night. The Academy confirmed the exclusive partnership to reach a wider, international audience.

A New Era for Awards Show Accessibility

The new agreement covers the main ceremony, red carpet events, and the Governors Ball. According to reports, YouTube paid a nine-figure sum for the exclusive rights. The current broadcaster, ABC, will air the show until 2028.

Academy leadership celebrated the global reach of the deal. YouTube will offer closed captioning and multi-language audio tracks for viewers worldwide.

This move is designed to attract younger viewers. It also eliminates the traditional broadcast time constraints faced by networks.

Potential for a Dramatically Different Ceremony

The shift to YouTube could fundamentally change the Oscars broadcast. Network television often pressures the show to be shorter and more ratings-friendly. YouTube reportedly has no such demands.

This freedom could lead to a longer, more experimental ceremony. Industry insiders suggest the format could evolve significantly without traditional network oversight.

The technical challenge of streaming a live global event remains. YouTube has several years to build the infrastructure needed for a seamless broadcast.

This YouTube Oscars deal represents the most significant change to the awards broadcast in decades. The move to a free, digital platform will redefine how the world watches the Oscars.

Info at your fingertips

When will the Oscars start streaming on YouTube?

The first YouTube Oscars livestream will occur in 2029. The deal is set to last for five years, covering ceremonies through 2033.

Will it cost money to watch the Oscars on YouTube?

No. The Academy confirmed the YouTube livestream will be free for viewers worldwide. No paid subscription will be required.

What does this mean for the Oscars TV broadcast?

ABC will continue to televise the Oscars until 2028. After that, YouTube becomes the exclusive home for the live ceremony.

Could the Oscars ceremony get longer on YouTube?

Quite possibly. YouTube does not have the same commercial time constraints as network TV. This could allow for a less rushed show.

Why did the Academy choose YouTube?

The Academy stated the goal was to expand global access. YouTube’s massive, international user base aligns with that priority.