Academy Expands International Reach at Tokyo Festival
CEO Bill Kramer details new qualification pathways and future YouTube streaming plans for the global film community.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Foreign
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Academy CEO Bill Kramer visited the Tokyo International Film Festival to discuss the organization's growth and inclusive mission. The Academy announced a new festival-qualifying pathway for best international feature film nominations starting with the 99th Oscars.
Why it matters
The Academy is actively working to diversify its membership and expand its global audience reach. These strategic shifts reflect an effort to ensure the Oscars remain relevant to a worldwide demographic.
The Academy currently includes approximately 70 Japanese members, with that figure expected to rise. The organization also recognizes six festivals as qualifying events for international feature film nominations.
The players
Bill Kramer
He serves as the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The Academy
This is the organization responsible for presenting the annual Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars.
YouTube
This is a global video-sharing platform owned by Alphabet Inc. that will host future Oscar broadcasts.
The details
In addition to the new entry pathway, the Academy confirmed that YouTube will hold exclusive global rights to broadcast the Oscars from 2029 through 2033. This transition follows the final traditional ABC telecast scheduled for 2028, which aims to provide free access to 2.5 billion people worldwide.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: CEO Bill Kramer spoke at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
2028: The final Oscars telecast on ABC occurs.
2029-2033: YouTube holds exclusive global Oscars streaming rights.
Industry Dynamics
The introduction of new festival-qualifying pathways marks a departure from traditional submission requirements beginning with the 99th Academy Awards. This strategy mirrors broader shifts in Hollywood as legacy institutions pivot to accommodate the global streaming era.
International viewers will eventually gain free access to the awards ceremony through YouTube, expanding the total potential audience to 2.5 billion people. This shift removes regional broadcast barriers for those currently limited by traditional television licensing agreements.
The takeaway
The Academy is accelerating its international transition to ensure its primary awards maintain cultural relevance across borders. By shifting to global digital platforms, the organization is prioritizing accessibility over traditional broadcasting models.
Further reading
Learn more about global cinema trends in our Foreign section.
Live Poll
Should major cultural awards shows prioritize global online access over traditional broadcast television?
