Global Streaming Giant YouTube to Host Oscars Exclusively from 2029

The Academy Awards are entering a new chapter in their storied history with an exclusive four-year partnership with YouTube covering 2029 through 2033. This groundbreaking agreement marks the ceremony’s transition from traditional broadcast television to global digital streaming, fundamentally changing how billions of viewers worldwide will experience Hollywood’s most prestigious night.
YouTube’s comprehensive package includes the main awards ceremony plus extensive supplementary content that provides unprecedented access. Global audiences will enjoy red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes exclusives, Governors Ball footage, the Governors Awards ceremony, nomination announcements, the nominees Luncheon, student filmmaker recognitions, year-round educational initiatives, podcasts, and in-depth filmmaker interviews.
The Academy’s leadership highlighted how this partnership aligns with their organization’s international character. As the voting membership has become increasingly global, with 21% now residing outside America, the Academy recognizes the importance of partnering with a platform that can deliver content universally without geographic restrictions or traditional broadcast limitations.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan expressed commitment to honoring the Oscars’ cultural significance while inspiring future generations of filmmakers and cinema lovers. The platform’s recent performance, including record streaming viewership shares and successful live sports broadcasting to over 17 million viewers, demonstrates its readiness to host events of this magnitude.
The announcement comes as traditional television continues facing viewership challenges. While ABC’s most recent broadcast attracted 19.7 million viewers—a slight increase from previous years—this represents a significant decline from the 57 million viewers in 1998, illustrating the broader industry shift toward streaming platforms that prompted this historic partnership.