In a groundbreaking move set to transform how audiences experience Hollywood’s biggest night, the Academy Awards will be livestreamed on YouTube starting in 2029. This historic deal marks the first time in over 50 years that the Oscars will no longer be broadcast exclusively by the ABC network, signaling a major shift in the way viewers around the world access the film industry’s most prestigious awards ceremony.

The announcement was made on December 18, 2025, by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor, who emphasized that the partnership with YouTube would allow the Oscars to reach “the largest worldwide audience possible.”

YouTube Partnership: Expanding Global Reach

According to the Academy, the collaboration with YouTube will provide unprecedented opportunities for audience engagement and accessibility:

• Viewers worldwide will be able to livestream the Oscars for free.
• The stream will include closed captioning and multiple audio tracks, ensuring accessibility for non-English speakers and people with hearing impairments.
• Other Academy events, including the Governors Awards and the Oscar nominees luncheon, will also be available online for the first time.

“This partnership will leverage YouTube’s vast reach and infuse the Oscars and other Academy programming with innovative opportunities for engagement while honoring our legacy,” the Academy said in a statement. The collaboration aims to celebrate cinema, inspire new generations of filmmakers, and make film history accessible on an unprecedented global scale.

Transition from ABC to YouTube

ABC, which has televised the Oscars since 1976, will continue to broadcast the 2026, 2027, and 2028 ceremonies, including the milestone 100th anniversary edition in 2028. However, starting in 2029, YouTube will take over streaming rights through at least 2033.

The decision reflects a broader trend of declining television ratings for the Oscars, as audiences increasingly turn to online streaming platforms. The 2025 Oscars, simulcast live on Disney-owned Hulu, drew 19.7 million US viewers, a five-year high but still far below the 57 million viewers recorded at the peak in 1998. Technical issues during the Hulu livestream, including interruptions during major award announcements, highlighted the challenges of transitioning to digital platforms—but the move to YouTube is expected to improve reliability and accessibility.

YouTube’s Vision for the Oscars

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan hailed the Oscars as one of the world’s “essential cultural institutions.” He described the partnership as a way to inspire creativity and cultivate a new generation of film lovers:

“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.”

The platform’s global accessibility features, including multi-language support and free streaming, aim to make the Oscars more inclusive than ever before, allowing millions of international viewers to participate in Hollywood’s most glamorous night.

Financial Details and Strategic Implications

While specific financial terms of the YouTube deal have not been disclosed, ABC reportedly bid to retain the Oscars but chose not to overpay, given declining profitability in recent years. Analysts suggest that streaming the Oscars online may help the Academy reach younger audiences who are increasingly abandoning traditional TV broadcasts in favor of digital content.

The move also reflects broader trends in entertainment, where major events are shifting from traditional broadcast to online and on-demand platforms, creating new opportunities for audience engagement, sponsorship, and content innovation.

Conclusion

The 2029 Oscars livestream on YouTube represents a historic shift in the way audiences experience one of the world’s most prestigious awards ceremonies. By embracing digital streaming and global accessibility, the Academy aims to modernize the Oscars while expanding its reach to millions of viewers worldwide, ensuring that the glamour, celebration, and legacy of Hollywood continue to inspire generations to come.