In what represents a significant milestone for digital entertainment, YouTube has secured exclusive global rights to stream the Academy Awards from 2029 to 2033. This four-year agreement marks the culmination of the Oscars’ gradual shift toward embracing streaming technology and positions YouTube as the definitive platform for cinema’s most celebrated annual gathering.
The comprehensive partnership includes the main ceremony plus extensive additional content that creates an unprecedented Academy experience. Global audiences will access red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes exclusives, Governors Ball footage, the Governors Awards, nomination events, the nominees Luncheon, student Academy awards, ongoing educational programming, podcasts, and extensive filmmaker interviews throughout the year.
The Academy’s decision reflects strategic recognition of their organization’s international composition. With more than one-fifth of voting members now based outside America, leadership views this partnership with a universally accessible platform as essential for ensuring all members and global film communities receive equitable access to Academy content and celebrations.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan expressed enthusiasm about preserving the Oscars’ prestigious legacy while cultivating new generations of filmmakers and cinema lovers. The platform’s recent performance, including maintaining record streaming viewership shares and successfully broadcasting live sports events to massive audiences, demonstrates its readiness for this responsibility.
Industry analysts note that several major entertainment companies competed for these rights, with Netflix and NBCUniversal reportedly among the bidders. The deal continues a trend of major awards ceremonies migrating to streaming, following Netflix’s acquisition of the Screen Actors Guild awards in 2023, signaling the industry’s broader digital transformation.