The Oscars will be watched exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences American and YouTube have signed a multi-year agreement that will give YouTube exclusive global rights to the Oscars from 2029 to 2033, a move that confirms the trend of content owners prioritizing digital distribution channels over cable and traditional television.

Los Oscar, including coverage of red carpet, behind-the-scenes content, access to the Governors Ball and more, will be available live and free of charge to more than 2 billion viewers from around the world on YouTube, as well as for YouTube TV subscribers in the United States. YouTube will help make the Oscars accessible to the Academy's growing global audience through features like Subtitles and audio tracks available in multiple languages. Disney ABC and Buena Vista International will continue to provide their usual Oscars coverage through the 100th edition of the awards in 2028.

The collaboration will also include other Academy events and programs exclusively on the Oscars YouTube channel. These include the Governors Awards, Oscar Nominations Announcement, Oscar Nominees Luncheon, Student Academy Awards, Scientific and Technical Awards, interviews with Academy members and filmmakers, film training programs, podcasts and much more.

Furthermore, the initiative Google Arts & Culture will provide digital access to certain exhibitions and programs of the Academy Museum and will help digitize components of the Academy Collection, the largest film-related collection in the world, with more than 52 million items. Bill Kramer, director of the Academy, and Lynette Howell Taylor, president, have been “delighted” to establish this collaboration with YouTube that will translate into dozens of contents and initiatives that will extend throughout the year.

"The Academy is an international organization, and this collaboration will allow us to expand access to the Academy's work to the widest possible audience around the world, which will be beneficial to our Academy members and the film community. This collaboration will leverage the broad reach of YouTube and infuse the Oscars and other Academy programs with innovative engagement opportunities, while honoring our legacy. We will be able to celebrate cinema, inspire new generations of filmmakers, and provide access to our cinematic history on an unprecedented global scale," they explained.

On the part of YouTube, its director executive Neal Mohan explains: "The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry. Collaborating with the Academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers around the world will inspire a new generation of creatives and film lovers, while staying true to the historic legacy of the Oscars."