Oscars Set for Major Shift with YouTube Broadcast Deal
A landmark agreement will see the Oscars move to YouTube for global broadcasts from 2029, as the Academy prepares to end its long-standing partnership with Disney ABC after the 2028 centenary ceremony.
The Academy Awards are preparing for a significant change in how the world tunes in, as a fresh global broadcast arrangement with YouTube has been unveiled. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that, beginning in 2029, YouTube will become the exclusive international broadcaster for the ceremony, with the partnership initially running through to 2033. Until then, the next three editions will continue to air on Disney ABC, culminating in the 2028 event, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the Oscars.
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed their enthusiasm for the new direction:
“We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming.”
They added,
“The Academy is an international organisation, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.”
Expanding Reach and Embracing Innovation
Kramer and Howell Taylor also highlighted the potential for innovation, stating the collaboration would
“leverage YouTube’s vast reach and infuse the Oscars and other Academy programming with innovative opportunities for engagement while honouring our legacy.”
They hope the move will
“inspire new generations of filmmakers and provide access to our film history on an unprecedented global scale.”
YouTube’s CEO, Neal Mohan, echoed these sentiments, remarking,
“The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honouring excellence in storytelling and artistry. 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.”
Looking Ahead to the Centenary and Beyond
The 98th Academy Awards are scheduled for 15 March 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O’Brien returning as host for a second year. The full list of nominations is set to be announced on 22 January 2026. Disney ABC will continue to broadcast the event until the centenary edition in 2028, after which the transition to YouTube will take effect.
This new chapter is poised to reshape how audiences across the globe experience one of the film industry’s most celebrated evenings, promising broader access and fresh opportunities for engagement with both the ceremony and the Academy’s wider programming.