Hollywood is experiencing another major shakeup as the Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, announced it will move from ABC to YouTube starting in 2029. The historic deal marks the first time the Oscars will stream exclusively online, signaling a major shift in how audiences consume one of the most prestigious film awards ceremonies.
Multi-Year Deal Gives YouTube Exclusive Global Rights
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) confirmed on Wednesday that it has signed a multi-year agreement with YouTube, granting the streaming platform exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033. This deal means that starting in 2029, the Oscars will be available live and for free on YouTube, rather than broadcast on ABC, which has aired the ceremony for nearly 50 years.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor emphasized the international reach of the partnership:
“The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible—beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.”
Why the Oscars Are Moving to YouTube
Over the decades, the Oscars’ television viewership has steadily declined, although there was a slight increase in 2025, primarily driven by younger audiences tuning in via cell phones and computers.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan described the Oscars as “one of our essential cultural institutions”, highlighting the platform’s role in reaching a new generation of film enthusiasts and creators while honoring the Oscars’ storied legacy.
ABC, which has been the home of the Oscars since 1976, will continue to broadcast the awards through 2028, after which YouTube will take over exclusively.
Streaming Shift Reflects Broader Hollywood Trends
The move to YouTube reflects broader industry trends, including studio mergers, production cuts, and the rise of streaming platforms. With traditional networks facing declining audiences, streaming services have become the primary medium for many viewers.
This announcement comes shortly after Warner Bros Discovery advised shareholders to reject a hostile takeover from Paramount Skydance and a competing bid from Netflix, highlighting the ongoing instability and restructuring within Hollywood’s entertainment landscape.
What This Means for Film Fans
Fans can expect easier access to the Oscars starting in 2029, as YouTube’s streaming platform will make the ceremony available globally and free of charge. This move also aligns with efforts to attract younger audiences who increasingly prefer digital and mobile-first viewing experiences over traditional television broadcasts.
The Academy hopes the partnership will help modernize the Oscars, expand its reach, and maintain its relevance as the premier awards show for film excellence worldwide.
Conclusion
The transition of the Oscars from ABC to YouTube represents a historic change in Hollywood’s media landscape. With younger audiences consuming content primarily online, and traditional TV ratings declining, the Academy Awards’ streaming debut on YouTube may set a precedent for other major entertainment events. As Hollywood continues to evolve, the Oscars are positioning themselves to remain a cultural institution while embracing the future of digital broadcasting.
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