The Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, marking a significant shift in Hollywood's broadcasting landscape.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made this announcement on Wednesday, revealing it has signed a multi-year deal that grants YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, planned for March 15, have been airing on ABC for 50 years. Starting in 2029, the show will be available live and free on YouTube.
This decision comes alongside a broader transformation in the entertainment industry, amid studio sales, mergers, and steep production cuts.
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 — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community, stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor.
Despite a decline in viewership over the years, there was a slight increase in 2025, particularly among younger viewers who tuned in via phones and computers.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called the Oscars one of our essential cultural institutions and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, which aims to inspire new audiences while honoring the Oscars' legacy.
ABC, which has hosted the awards since 1976, is looking forward to the next three telecasts before the transition begins.
The move comes as Warner Bros Discovery urged shareholders to reject a hostile takeover from Paramount Skydance in favor of a bid from Netflix, signaling continued challenges in the media landscape.
The development underscores a persistent trend in Hollywood, with increasing reliance on streaming platforms for content distribution.
