Oscars to leave broadcast TV in 2029 for exclusive global deal with YouTube

The Academy Awards is set to abandon broadcast television in 2029 after the prestigious ceremony signed an exclusive global deal with Google-owned YouTube.

Bill Kramer

The landmark pact will see the event, which is owned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), stream for free globally on YouTube, except in the US where it will be available on paid streaming service YouTube TV.

The deal between AMPAS and YouTube runs from 2029 until at least 2033. Until then, it will continue to air on Disney-owned US broadcaster ABC and be available internationally via the Oscars’ deal with Disney’s Buena Vista International. 2028, the final year with Disney, will mark the 100th edition of the ceremony.

The move to YouTube represents a major change in direction for the Academy Awards, which have been broadcast on ABC since the mid 1970s.

In addition to the main Sunday-night show, the deal also includes the Governors Awards, the Oscars nominations announcement, the Oscars nominees luncheon, the Student Academy Awards and the Scientific and Technical Awards.

“The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honouring excellence in storytelling and artistry,” said YouTube CEO Neal Mohan.

“Partnering with the Academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Lynette Howell Taylor added that the partnership will “leverage YouTube’s vast reach and infuse the Oscars and other Academy programming with innovative opportunities for engagement while honouring our legacy. We will be able to celebrate cinema, inspire new generations of filmmakers and provide access to our film history on an unprecedented global scale.”