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- YouTube announced that it will hold the global rights to the Oscars starting in 2029.
- It's a major victory as streamers compete over the finite number of marquee live events.
- Historically, the Oscars are one of the most-watched telecasts of the entire year.
Hollywood's biggest night is going to a streamer.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday that YouTube will hold the global rights to the Oscars from 2029 through 2033.
While that means they'll no longer be broadcast on ABC starting in 2029, the Oscars will continue to be available for free worldwide — just on YouTube and YouTube TV. As part of the partnership, red carpet coverage and other behind-the-scenes content from before the award show is also included.
The news comes as streamers like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, and others, increasingly compete over live events to host on their respective platforms. Historically, the Oscars are one of the most-watched nights of TV, and in non-presidential election years, it is often the only non-sporting event to chart within the top 100 most-watched telecasts of the year.
"The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry," YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, said in a statement. "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."
Disney and ABC will continue to hold the rights to the Oscars through 2028.
Outside of the Oscars, the Google Arts & Culture initiative will provide digital access to select Academy Museum exhibitions and programs, the academy said in a statement.
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