Oscars Finds New Broadcast Partner, Will Stream for Free

The Oscars are getting a new broadcast partner.

As announced by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, the Academy Awards ceremony — which has aired on ABC since the mid-1970s — will be moving to a new location in 2029. The deal will last at least through 2023.

Where will the Oscars be streamed for free?

The Oscars have partnered with YouTube, meaning the entire ceremony will be available to watch on YouTube and YouTube TV for free, per The Hollywood Reporter. The Alphabet Network (ABC) will continue to air the Oscars through “the 100th edition of the awards show in 2028.”

The article also notes, “As part of the newly-inked deal, YouTube will broadcast not only the Oscars ceremony itself, but also a significant amount of related content: red carpet pre-show and behind-the-scenes in-show content; the Oscar nominations announcement; the Governors Awards, at which the Academy presents honorary Oscars and occasionally the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award; the Oscars Nominees Luncheon; the Student Academy Awards ceremony; the Scientific and Technical Awards ceremony; Academy member and filmmaker interviews; film education programs; podcasts; and more.”

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said in a statement, “The Oscars are 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.”

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor added, “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 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.” 

Source: Comingsoon.net