Oscars Move to YouTube in 2029

The prestigious Academy Awards is set to move from traditional television to the online world, with a new deal securing its exclusive streaming rights on YouTube starting in 2029.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the multi-year partnership on Wednesday, granting YouTube global streaming rights to the Oscars through 2033. This marks the end of a 50-year run on ABC, which has broadcast the awards show since 1976.

Viewers can expect to watch the 91st Academy Awards ceremony, scheduled for March 15th of this year, via conventional means, but the 92nd in 2029 will usher in a new era for the globally recognised event.

This development arrives amidst significant upheaval in the Hollywood landscape, as studios contend with sales, mergers, and reduced production budgets. The move to a streaming platform reflects the broader shift in how audiences consume entertainment.

“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,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor stated.

While viewership of the Oscars has generally declined over the years, it saw a slight increase in 2025, attributed in part to younger audiences tuning in via their mobile devices and computers. This trend likely influenced the Academy’s decision to embrace digital streaming.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan hailed the Oscars as “one of our essential cultural institutions,” adding that the partnership would “inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”

ABC expressed its anticipation for the next three broadcasts it will host, acknowledging the significant change ahead. The network indicated it remains committed to delivering high-quality coverage during its remaining years with the Oscars.

The announcement also coincides with Warner Bros Discovery’s recommendation to shareholders to reject a takeover bid, preferring instead a deal with Netflix, furthering the trend of established media companies adapting to a streaming-dominant future. Industry experts indicate both the Paramount Skydance and Netflix bids were viewed unfavourably due to prior cuts within the sector.

With YouTube securing the rights to the Oscars, the reliance on streaming platforms for major entertainment events is clearly set to grow, potentially reshaping the future of award shows and live television events.

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