In a landmark shift for Hollywood, the Academy Awards are set to leave traditional television. Starting in 2029, the Oscars will stream exclusively and for free on YouTube under a new multi-year deal spanning through 2033.
This move ends a half-century broadcast partnership with ABC, which has aired the ceremony since 1976. The decision underscores the industry’s accelerating pivot toward digital platforms and global, accessible viewership.
Academy leadership highlighted the strategic benefit of reaching a broader, international audience. CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor stated the YouTube partnership will “expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible.”
The change comes amid significant challenges in the entertainment sector, including studio mergers, production cuts, and declining linear TV viewership. While the 2025 Oscars saw a slight ratings uptick—driven by younger viewers on digital devices—the long-term trend has pushed the Academy toward a digital-first future.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan hailed the Oscars as an “essential cultural institution,” expressing that the collaboration aims to “inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers.”
ABC acknowledged the change, noting it looks forward to its final three telecasts before the transition. This historic shift coincides with ongoing industry consolidation, exemplified by Warner Bros. Discovery’s recent rejection of takeover bids, highlighting the turbulent landscape.
Ultimately, YouTube securing the Oscars’ global rights is a powerful signal: the future of major live events is streaming, and the push for direct, free, digital access to audiences is now paramount
