Academy CEO Bill Kramer recently reaffirmed the organization's groundbreaking decision to transition the Oscars broadcast to YouTube starting in 2029, a move he deems not just strategic, but almost imperative for the future of the awards. Speaking at the Zurich Film Festival Summit, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Kramer elaborated on the rationale behind ending the long-standing partnership with ABC, which has aired the ceremony in the U.S. since 1976.
Kramer positioned the YouTube deal as a direct response to the Academy's expanding global ambitions and the evolving landscape of media consumption. He highlighted the platform's unparalleled ability to reach a diverse international audience of film lovers, aspiring artists, and young fans. "As we become more global as an organization, the best way for us to reach a global audience of film lovers, film fans, [and] young artists is YouTube," Kramer stated, underscoring the shift away from traditional linear television.
The CEO emphasized that this digital leap offers the Academy unprecedented control and direct engagement with its fan base, a level of interaction currently unattainable. With a growing number of international viewers already tuning into the Oscars compared to those within the U.S., the YouTube platform is expected to amplify this global reach significantly. The deal will see the Oscars streamed for free in 30 different languages, dramatically expanding accessibility.
When questioned about the perceived risk of such a monumental change, Kramer was resolute. "It almost feels risky not to do it," he told attendees, pointing to the accelerating trend of audiences migrating to YouTube for television content. The 2029 transition coincides with the 101st Academy Awards, by which time Kramer anticipates an even larger proportion of the viewing public will be on digital platforms. He promised "a very different-looking Oscars that allows you to engage with the show in more interactive and deep ways than we can do right now."
Beyond the main ceremony, the comprehensive deal with YouTube encompasses a wealth of related content. This includes the red carpet pre-show, behind-the-scenes glimpses, the Oscar nominations announcement, the prestigious Governors Awards, the Nominees Luncheon, and ceremonies for the Student Academy Awards and the Scientific and Technical Awards. Additionally, the platform will host interviews with Academy members and filmmakers, film education programs, and podcasts, creating a robust ecosystem of content around the awards.
While acknowledging a "great partnership with Disney" that will continue for the next two years, Kramer confirmed that discussions are already well underway with YouTube CEO Neal Mohan and his team. He also noted that the deal was "a good deal" financially, though specific figures were not disclosed. The move comes as traditional TV viewership for the Oscars has seen fluctuations, with the 2026 ceremony drawing 17.86 million viewers on ABC and Hulu, a decline from the previous year. The Academy's pivot to YouTube represents a proactive embrace of the future, aiming to secure the Oscars' place as a globally accessible and interactive cultural event.