The Academy Awards are making a defining shift in distribution strategy with an exclusive four-year partnership with YouTube beginning in 2029. This historic agreement through 2033 positions the streaming platform as the sole destination for Hollywood’s most celebrated annual ceremony, marking the culmination of entertainment’s ongoing digital transformation.
YouTube’s comprehensive deal extends well beyond streaming the main ceremony. The platform will deliver worldwide audiences red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes exclusives, Governors Ball footage, the Governors Awards ceremony, nomination announcements, the nominees Luncheon, student filmmaker recognitions, year-round educational content, podcasts, and in-depth filmmaker interviews.
The Academy’s leadership framed this decision as essential for serving their increasingly global membership. With 21% of voters now residing outside the United States, partnering with a universally accessible platform enables the organization to democratize access to Academy programming and strengthen connections within the worldwide film community.
YouTube’s credentials for hosting this prestigious event are substantial. The platform consistently ranks as America’s most-watched streaming service and recently demonstrated its live broadcasting capabilities by streaming an NFL game to over 17 million viewers, showcasing infrastructure capable of supporting globally significant live events with complex technical requirements.
The announcement continues a broader industry trend of major awards ceremonies migrating to streaming platforms. Netflix acquired the Screen Actors Guild awards in 2023, and multiple entertainment giants competed for the Oscars, illustrating the intensifying battle for premium content as traditional television viewership continues declining and streaming platforms gain dominance.