Streaming Platform Wins Four-Year Exclusive Academy Awards Rights

YouTube claims entertainment broadcasting’s most prestigious prize through an exclusive four-year partnership for Academy Awards worldwide rights beginning in 2029. This groundbreaking agreement represents the most significant transformation in Oscar broadcasting history, moving Hollywood’s signature ceremony from traditional television networks to digital streaming platforms with global reach, enhanced content delivery, and unprecedented year-round programming capabilities.
The comprehensive partnership scope extends dramatically beyond the main ceremony broadcast. YouTube will deliver complete red carpet arrivals, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, intimate Governors Ball moments, the Governors Awards ceremony, nomination announcement coverage, the nominees Luncheon access, Student Academy Awards recognition, extensive Academy member interviews, filmmaker conversations, comprehensive film education programs, podcasts, and supplementary content designed to maintain continuous audience engagement with Academy initiatives and filmmaking excellence throughout the calendar year.
The strategic decision aligns with the Academy’s evolving international identity and global mission. Bill Kramer and Lynette Howell Taylor emphasized that with 21% of voting members now residing outside the United States, worldwide digital distribution better serves their increasingly diverse constituency. They characterized this partnership as beneficial for Academy membership and the broader filmmaking community, advancing organizational goals while ensuring accessibility for global audiences passionate about celebrating cinematic achievement and creative excellence.
Neal Mohan, leading YouTube as CEO, positioned the partnership as both honor and responsibility. He committed to preserving the Oscars’ storied legacy while leveraging digital innovation to inspire future creative generations and cultivate new film enthusiasts worldwide. This balanced approach recognizes that successful stewardship of cultural institutions requires respecting established traditions while embracing technological advancement that enhances accessibility, engagement, and inspiration for evolving audience demographics and consumption patterns.
The announcement follows YouTube’s impressive performance throughout the current year, maintaining its position as America’s most-watched streaming platform with record viewership shares. The platform’s successful September live NFL broadcast attracted over 17 million viewers, validating sophisticated production capabilities for major live events. Multiple major media companies competed for these broadcasting rights, including Netflix, NBCUniversal, and Disney, which previously paid approximately $100 million annually. Analysts project YouTube TV will become America’s largest pay-TV service by next year. Disney’s ABC network will broadcast three final Oscar ceremonies through 2028, concluding a relationship spanning over fifty years.