In a significant move for the entertainment industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube from 2029, the academy says. This marks a departure from its long-standing relationship with ABC, which has been the primary broadcaster of the annual awards ceremony for the majority of its history. The shift to YouTube signals a new era for the Oscars, aiming to reach a broader global audience through the video platform.
Table of contents
Official guidance: USA.gov – official guidance for Oscars to stream exclusively on YouTube from 2029, academy says
Key Developments
The agreement stipulates that YouTube will secure the global rights to stream the Oscars from 2029 through 2033. Beyond the main event, YouTube will also become the home for other key Oscars-related events, including red-carpet coverage, the Governors Awards, and the highly anticipated Oscar nominations announcement. ABC will continue its broadcast of the ceremony until 2028, which will be a historic year, marking the 100th Oscars. The move to have the Oscars stream exclusively on YouTube from 2029, the academy says, is a strategic effort to modernize the broadcast and cater to changing viewing habits.
According to the Academy, this partnership will broaden access to the Oscars for a global audience. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor emphasized the Academy’s international nature, stating that the collaboration with YouTube will allow them to expand their reach to the largest worldwide audience possible. The Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube from 2029, the academy says, and is expected to benefit both Academy members and the wider film community by increasing visibility and engagement.
Shifting Landscape of Award Show Broadcasting
While many major award shows have incorporated streaming partnerships, the decision for the Oscars to stream exclusively on YouTube from 2029, the academy says, is unprecedented. It represents the first instance among the “big four” award shows-the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, and Tonys-to completely abandon traditional broadcast television. This decision places one of the most-watched non-NFL broadcasts under the umbrella of Google, whose YouTube platform boasts approximately 2 billion users. The financial details of the agreement between the Academy and YouTube have not been disclosed.
YouTube’s Chief Executive Officer, Neal Mohan, highlighted the cultural significance of the Oscars, describing them as “one of our essential cultural institutions.” He expressed enthusiasm for partnering with the Academy to bring the celebration of art and entertainment to viewers worldwide. The Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube from 2029, the academy says, and is intended to inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while preserving the Oscars’ legacy. The accessibility of the Oscars on YouTube, including free streaming and availability with audio tracks in multiple languages and closed captioning, underlines this commitment to broader viewership.
ABC’s Long-Standing Relationship and Future Plans
ABC, owned by Disney, has been the primary broadcast partner for the Oscars for over half a century. The network first acquired the rights in 1961, with a brief interruption between 1971 and 1975 when NBC aired the show. Despite the upcoming transition, ABC has expressed pride in its long association with the Oscars. The network said in a statement that they “look forward to the next three telecasts, including the show’s centennial celebration in 2028, and wish the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences continued success.” The Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube from 2029, the academy says, and will mark the end of an era for ABC.
In 2025, the Academy Awards broadcast on ABC garnered 19.7 million viewers, a slight increase from the previous year, partially attributed to the simultaneous live streaming on Disney’s Hulu platform. Disney reported that the broadcast was the most-watched Oscars in five years. However, the Hulu stream experienced technical difficulties for some viewers, impacting their ability to see the final awards. The Academy Awards telecast has seen viewership declines over the years, with ratings falling as low as 10.4 million during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, the Oscars regularly attracted over 40 million viewers a decade ago. The move for the Oscars to stream exclusively on YouTube from 2029, the academy says, may be an attempt to combat this decline.
Recent Changes and Future of the Oscars
In recent years, the Academy has implemented several changes to revitalize the Oscars, including the introduction of new categories. The Best Casting category will be awarded starting in 2026, recognizing the crucial role of casting directors in shaping films. Additionally, a Best Stunt Design category will be introduced by the event’s 100th anniversary in 2028. Furthermore, the Oscars telecast has been streamlined since 2023, with certain categories, such as editing, production design, sound, and makeup and hair styling, presented off-air.
This week, the Oscars shortlist was announced for 12 categories, showcasing a competitive field led by Warner Bros’ Sinners and Universal’s Wicked: For Good, each receiving eight mentions. The Academy Award nominations will be announced on January 22, and the 98th ceremony, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, will take place on March 15. These ongoing changes, culminating in the Oscars streaming exclusively on YouTube from 2029, the academy says, reflect the Academy’s commitment to adapting to the evolving media landscape and audience preferences.
The decision for the Oscars to stream exclusively on YouTube from 2029, the academy says, represents a bold step towards modernizing the awards show and expanding its global reach. By leveraging the vast audience and accessibility of YouTube, the Academy aims to engage a new generation of film lovers and ensure the continued relevance of the Oscars in the years to come. The transition promises to bring the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to viewers worldwide, free of charge and in multiple languages, marking a new chapter in the history of the Academy Awards.
Note: Information based on credible sources and industry analysis.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and may contain affiliate links. Always verify details with official sources.
Explore more: related articles.
