The Academy Awards are making a major broadcast shift. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced that starting in 2029, the Oscars will move from traditional television to YouTube, marking the first time the prestigious awards show will be exclusively streamed online worldwide.

New YouTube Partnership Runs 2029–2033

On December 17, 2025, the Academy revealed a new multi-year global partnership with YouTube, giving the platform exclusive streaming rights for the Oscars from the 101st ceremony in 2029 through the 105th Oscars in 2033. The move comes after the current domestic broadcast deal with ABC, which will continue through the 100th Oscars in 2028.

According to Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor, the partnership is designed to “expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible,” allowing fans across the globe to stream the Oscars, red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and the Governors Ball online.

“This collaboration will leverage YouTube’s vast reach and infuse the Oscars and other Academy programming with innovative opportunities for engagement while honoring our legacy,” Kramer and Taylor added. “We will be able to celebrate cinema, inspire new generations of filmmakers, and provide access to our film history on an unprecedented global scale.”

YouTube CEO Comments on the Oscars Deal

Neal Mohan, YouTube CEO, emphasized the platform’s excitement for the partnership: “This will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”

The move highlights a growing trend in entertainment toward digital streaming and global accessibility, allowing viewers from virtually any country to participate in one of Hollywood’s most iconic annual events.

98th Oscars to Air on ABC

Before the YouTube transition, the 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, and will be broadcast on ABC as usual. Conan O’Brien will return as host for the second consecutive year. O’Brien joked about his hosting motivations, saying, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” referencing the actor’s record-breaking Best Actor acceptance speech at the 2025 ceremony.

Nominations for the 2026 Oscars are scheduled to be announced on January 22, 2026, with fans eagerly awaiting who will contend for the coveted awards.

What This Means for the Future of the Oscars

The transition from ABC to YouTube reflects the Academy’s efforts to reach younger audiences, increase accessibility, and adapt to changing media consumption habits. With the rise of streaming platforms and global audiences, this shift positions the Oscars to maximize engagement, social interaction, and international viewership like never before.

As the Oscars move into a digital-first era, fans can expect live streaming, interactive features, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content directly on YouTube, making the awards show more immersive than ever.