Good news for Oscar fans! Viewers will soon be able to watch the Academy Awards ceremony for free on YouTube. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has signed a major deal that will give YouTube exclusive global rights to the Oscars from 2029 to 2033.  ABC currently holds the rights until 2028.

Watch the Oscars for free on YouTube.
According to Variety, the Oscars, including red carpet coverage and behind-the-scenes content, will be available live and for free to viewers worldwide on YouTube. YouTube TV subscribers in the US will also be able to watch it. Sources indicate that advertising will continue during the Oscar broadcast on YouTube.

Audio available in multiple languages
Those involved in the agreement say that bringing the Oscars to YouTube will make the ceremony more accessible to a wider global audience. The availability of multiple audio tracks on YouTube will benefit international viewers.

The Academy's work will reach more people.
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Howell Taylor said, "We are thrilled to enter into a global partnership with YouTube. The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will help us bring the Academy's work to more people around the world."

YouTube spent a significant amount.
According to Variety, the Academy was looking for a broadcast agreement in 2025, and several contenders, including NBCUniversal and Netflix, emerged. It is reported that YouTube spent a significant amount on the Oscar rights, more than Disney/ABC and NBCUniversal.

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