YouTube Claims Exclusive Rights to Academy Awards Broadcast

In entertainment broadcasting’s most significant recent development, YouTube has secured exclusive worldwide rights to the Academy Awards through a comprehensive four-year partnership beginning in 2029. This landmark agreement represents the definitive shift from traditional network television to digital streaming for Hollywood’s premier ceremony, promising unprecedented global accessibility and enhanced content delivery throughout the entire awards season and beyond.
The multifaceted partnership encompasses extensive year-round Academy programming far exceeding traditional ceremony coverage. YouTube will provide complete red carpet arrivals, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, intimate Governors Ball moments, the Governors Awards ceremony, nomination announcement events, the nominees Luncheon access, Student Academy Awards recognition, in-depth Academy member interviews, filmmaker conversations, comprehensive film education programming, podcasts, and supplementary content designed to maintain continuous audience engagement with cinematic excellence.
The strategic decision aligns with the Academy’s commitment to serving its increasingly international membership. Bill Kramer and Lynette Howell Taylor emphasized that with voting members now including 21% participants from outside the United States, global digital distribution better serves their diverse constituency. They characterized this partnership as advancing both Academy member interests and the broader filmmaking community’s needs, ensuring unprecedented accessibility for worldwide audiences celebrating creative achievement.
Neal Mohan, leading YouTube as CEO, positioned the partnership as both honor and responsibility. He committed to preserving the Oscars’ celebrated legacy while inspiring future creative generations through innovative digital experiences. This vision balances respect for established traditions with recognition that technological advancement provides opportunities for enhanced accessibility, engagement, and inspiration as the ceremony approaches its centennial anniversary.
The announcement reflects ongoing entertainment industry transformation toward streaming dominance. YouTube achieved record American viewership shares throughout the current year, consistently outperforming traditional television networks. The platform’s successful September live NFL broadcast attracted over 17 million viewers, validating sophisticated production capabilities. Multiple major media companies competed for these rights, including Netflix, NBCUniversal, and Disney, which previously paid approximately $100 million annually. Disney’s ABC network will broadcast three final Oscar ceremonies through 2028 before this historic transition, concluding a relationship spanning over fifty years.