In a highly competitive bidding process, YouTube has emerged as the winning platform to exclusively stream the Academy Awards globally from 2029 to 2033. This landmark four-year deal concludes what industry sources describe as intense negotiations involving multiple major entertainment companies, fundamentally altering how the world will experience Hollywood’s premier awards night.
The agreement provides YouTube with comprehensive rights encompassing the main ceremony plus an extensive array of related content. Global audiences will access red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes exclusives, Governors Ball footage, the Governors Awards, nomination announcements, the nominees Luncheon, student Academy awards, educational programming, podcasts, and filmmaker interviews—creating a complete year-round Academy presence on the platform.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor characterized the partnership as instrumental in expanding their international reach. With 21% of Academy voters now residing outside the United States, the organization prioritizes platforms that can deliver content universally, ensuring all members and global film communities enjoy equal access to Academy programming.
YouTube’s competitive advantages include its position as America’s most-watched streaming platform and demonstrated capability for live event broadcasting. The platform’s recent NFL game attracted over 17 million viewers, proving its technical infrastructure can support the demands of a globally significant live broadcast like the Oscars.
Multiple industry giants reportedly competed for these rights, including Netflix, which acquired the Screen Actors Guild awards in 2023, and NBCUniversal. Disney’s ABC, which paid approximately $100 million annually for broadcast rights, also bid to retain the ceremony but will conclude its five-decade relationship after the 2028 centennial celebration.
YouTube Outbids Major Networks to Secure Oscars Streaming Rights Through 2033
