Academy CEO Bill Kramer Announces Free Global Oscars Stream on YouTube Starting in 2029

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Bill Kramer announced in Tokyo that the Oscars ceremony will stream for free on YouTube beginning in 2029. The move is designed to reach a global audience of 2.5 billion people in more than 30 languages. Kramer stated that the format will ensure viewers everywhere access the show simultaneously.

The announcement coincided with a panel at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Kramer spoke alongside Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor and Chief Membership, Impact and Industry Officer Meredith Shea. Festival director Hisamatsu Takeo moderated the session. The festival organization presented Kramer with its Global Cinema Leadership Special Award.

Kramer reported that the share of Academy members residing outside the United States has risen from approximately 5% to 25% over the last decade. He attributed this growth to a strategic effort to reflect the global nature of film production and consumption. The Academy currently has about 70 members based in Japan.

Howell Taylor described the membership growth as a correction of past oversights rather than a lowering of standards. She noted that previous smaller membership numbers resulted from a lack of global outreach. She emphasized that the organization now actively seeks excellence from filmmakers outside the United States.

Shea detailed specific initiatives to lower barriers for international entrants. She confirmed that submitting a film for Oscar consideration costs nothing in any category. She also noted that receiving more than 200 festival awards makes short films automatically eligible for consideration. Members can view contenders through the Academy Screening Room app.

The leadership team discussed the expansion of the qualifying festivals for the International Feature Film category. Kramer stated that the Academy is currently reviewing the list to include more events. Howell Taylor said discussions regarding the expansion are ongoing. Kramer indicated that the initial six festivals were selected partly due to calendar timing.

Kramer referenced the 2020 best picture win for Bong Joon Ho’s film Parasite as a turning point. He described that victory as a shift in how the Academy views global cinema. He noted that international representation appeared in every category at the most recent Oscars.

Shea highlighted growth in the animation division during her tenure as category chair. She reported that submissions increased from 12 to nearly 40 over a decade. She noted that at least six anime titles are submitted annually. Kramer added that Japan’s history in animated filmmaking is a key part of the Academy’s global mission.

The group also addressed questions regarding artificial intelligence and the future of the International Feature category. Kramer stated that the category does not appear redundant as the Academy becomes more international. He said the organization is beginning conversations about how technology impacts the filmmaking process.

Kramer concluded by describing the collaborative atmosphere among international filmmakers. He noted that the organization visits cities such as London, Rio, and Busan to maintain these connections. He identified the Tokyo engagement as the first official Academy trip to the festival, with plans to return.