The Academy Awards will undergo a major transformation beginning in 2029, as the Oscars officially move away from traditional broadcast television to stream exclusively on YouTube.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed that YouTube has secured a multi-year agreement granting it exclusive global streaming rights to the Oscars from 2029 through 2033. The deal marks a significant shift for one of Hollywood’s most iconic ceremonies, reflecting the entertainment industry’s growing embrace of digital platforms.
ABC, owned by Disney, has broadcast the Oscars for decades and will retain the rights through 2028. The network is expected to air the ceremony’s centennial edition that year before the transition takes effect. In recent months, the Academy had explored new broadcast options, fueling speculation that a major technology company would eventually take over the event.
YouTube ultimately emerged as the winning bidder, outpacing ABC and other potential partners. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Reacting to the announcement, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan described the Oscars as a vital cultural institution, noting that the partnership aims to connect the awards to a new generation of global audiences while preserving its legacy.
The move underscores the increasing influence of streaming platforms such as YouTube and Netflix, which continue to redefine how audiences consume entertainment. While some industry insiders view the shift as a natural evolution, others see it as a symbolic departure from Hollywood tradition.
Despite the digital pivot, the Academy has maintained its emphasis on theatrical releases. Many Oscar-winning films still debut in cinemas and at international festivals before making their way to streaming platforms. The 2025 Best Picture winner, for instance, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and enjoyed a full theatrical run before streaming.
ABC acknowledged the change in a statement, reflecting on its long-standing relationship with the Academy and expressing anticipation for its final broadcasts of the ceremony.
With YouTube set to take over in 2029, the Oscars are preparing to enter a new era—one shaped by changing viewing habits and the growing dominance of online streaming worldwide.