YouTube has secured exclusive global rights to the Oscars – including red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, Governors Ball access, and more – from 2029 to 2033.
This move forms part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ plan to make the Oscars accessible to a global audience. Indeed, this partnership will see free, live Oscars coverage become available to over 2 billion viewers around the world on YouTube, and to YouTube TV subscribers in the United States. Additionally, features such as closed captioning and audio tracks will be available in multiple languages to further widen the event’s reach.
The partnership will also include worldwide access for film fans to other Academy events and programs exclusively on the Oscars YouTube channel. This will include the Governors Awards, the Oscars Nominations Announcement, the Oscars Nominees Luncheon, the Student Academy Awards, the Scientific and Technical Awards, Academy member and filmmaker interviews, film education programs, podcasts, and more.
In addition, through this holistic partnership, the Google Arts & Culture initiative is expected to provide digital access to select Academy Museum exhibitions and programs and help to digitise components of the Academy Collection – the largest film-related collection in the world, with more than 52 million items.
The announcement comes at a time when YouTube’s astronomical growth in the M&E sector has prompted legacy players to reassess their strategies with caution. A variety of responses have arisen, ranging from Channel 4’s full embrace to Netflix’s wary eye to Disney’s begrudging acceptance.
Despite previous contention between YouTube and Disney, the Academy’s domestic partnership for the Oscars will continue with Disney ABC through the 100th Oscars in 2028, as will the international partnership for the Oscars with Disney’s Buena Vista International.
“The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honouring excellence in storytelling and artistry,” said Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube. “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.”
In a joint statement, Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy, and Lynette Howell Taylor, President of the Academy, said: “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. 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. This collaboration 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.”
Recent Ofcom data found that YouTube is now the second most-watched service in the UK, behind the BBC and ahead of ITV. Discover more here.
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