The Academy Awards of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has just signed a deal that will change how the ceremonies are viewed for years to come.
The Academy has inked a deal with YouTube to make all ceremonies from 2029 to 2033 accessible to global audiences. YouTube now has the exclusive global rights to the glitziest night in Hollywood, starting with the 101st ceremony in 2029.
YouTube viewers around the world will have access not just to the ceremony, but also to the red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, Governors Ball and more Oscars-related events live and for free. In the United States, YouTube TV subscribers will be able to watch the same content.
The partnership, hailed as “unprecedented”, will see YouTube help make the Oscars more accessible through features such as closed captioning and audio tracks available in multiple languages.
“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,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor.
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“The Academy is an international organization, 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 honoring 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.”
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called the Oscars “one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring 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,” Mohan said.
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The events accessible on the Oscars YouTube channel from 2029 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.
Until 2028, when the Oscars celebrate their 100th birthday, the Academy’s US partnership with Disney ABC will continue, as will the international partnership with Disney’s Buena Vista International.
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Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.Â
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).Â