Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony is entering a new era with the announcement that YouTube will become the exclusive global home for the Oscars starting in 2029. This four-year agreement marks a watershed moment in entertainment broadcasting, shifting one of culture’s most significant annual events from traditional television to digital streaming.
The partnership’s scope is remarkably comprehensive, extending well beyond the primary ceremony. YouTube will deliver complete coverage including red carpet festivities, exclusive backstage access, Governors Ball content, the Governors Awards, announcement events for nominations, the nominees Luncheon, student filmmaker awards, ongoing educational content, podcasts, and interviews with Academy members and filmmakers.
Academy leadership has presented this decision as a strategic alignment with their organization’s global character. As international representation within the Academy has grown to exceed 20% of voting membership, partnering with a universally accessible platform enables the organization to better fulfill its mission of serving the worldwide film community.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan emphasized the platform’s dedication to maintaining the Oscars’ cultural significance while inspiring emerging filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts. The streaming giant’s recent accomplishments, including record-breaking viewership shares and successful live sports broadcasting, position it as an ideal partner for this prestigious event.
The entertainment landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, with streaming platforms increasingly dominating viewership. While ABC’s 2024 broadcast attracted 19.7 million viewers—representing a slight increase from previous years—this pales in comparison to the 57 million viewers who tuned in during 1998, illustrating the broader transformation in how audiences consume content.