Oscars to Transform as Academy Unveils Major Overhaul

A New Era for the Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is preparing for a significant transformation as it announces a major shift in the way the Oscars are broadcast. This change involves ending its long-standing relationship with ABC, which has been the network responsible for airing the event for nearly five decades. Instead, the Academy has entered into an agreement with YouTube, which will take over the streaming rights to the Oscar ceremony globally starting in 2029.

This new arrangement is set to last until 2033, marking a major departure from the traditional television broadcast model that has defined the Oscars for many years. One of the most notable aspects of this deal is that YouTube will make the annual ceremony available at no cost to viewers around the world. This move represents a significant milestone for streaming services within the entertainment industry.

The partnership between the Academy and YouTube is expected to expand access to the Oscars for a global audience, allowing more people to enjoy the celebration of cinematic excellence. The Academy's CEO, Bill Kramer, and President, Lynette Howell Taylor, expressed their excitement about this new collaboration in a joint statement.

"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 said. "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."

The 2028 ceremony will be particularly significant as it will mark the centenary of the Oscars, making it a milestone event for the Academy Awards. Following this, ABC will no longer serve as the broadcaster for the event, ending its extensive tenure with the Oscars.

In the United States, the awards show will also be available through YouTube TV, Google's subscription television service. This dual approach ensures both free access for international viewers and integration with America's streaming television offerings. For the first time in its history, the Oscars will be universally accessible without requiring a traditional television subscription or broadcast connection.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan highlighted the importance of this partnership in a statement, saying: “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.”

Declining Ratings and Controversies

Over the years, the Oscars have experienced a decline in ratings, with the peak occurring in 1998 when "Titanic" won 11 awards and attracted 55 million viewers. The awards show has also faced controversy in recent years, most notably in March 2022 when Will Smith walked onto the stage and slapped presenter Chris Rock after Mr. Rock made a joke about Mr. Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith's, shaved head.