Oscars moving to YouTube in 2029, will stream free worldwide

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has signed a multi-year agreement granting YouTube exclusive global streaming rights to the Oscars from 2029 to 2033. This marks the end of the ceremony's long association with ABC, which will continue to air the event through its centennial in 2028. With the shift, the Oscars will be available live and free worldwide on YouTube, including red carpet coverage and behind-the-scenes content.

The transition is seen as a pivotal moment for the film industry, highlighting YouTube's expanding influence. The Oscars, one of the most-watched annual events, will reach viewers globally via the world's largest streaming platform. The Academy aims to benefit "the Academy's growing global audience through features such as closed captioning and audio tracks available in multiple languages."

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor acknowledged the significance of the move, saying, "We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming," adding, "The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible—beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.