Oscars Move to YouTube: A New Era Begins in 2029

Thu Dec 18 2025 12:41:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029, marking a major shift for this iconic award show.

Beginning in 2029, the Oscars will no longer air on ABC, becoming accessible for free on YouTube. This new deal, lasting until 2033, aims to reach a broader audience and adapt to changing viewer habits. Academy leaders express optimism about expanding access and engaging younger audiences. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan emphasizes the cultural significance of the Oscars as the entertainment industry shifts toward streaming platforms.

The Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, the latest big change in Hollywood.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on Wednesday, stating they signed a multi-year deal granting YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.

The Oscars, scheduled for March 15, has aired on ABC for over 50 years. Starting in 2029, viewers can access the show live and free on YouTube.

This transition comes as Hollywood faces challenges from studio mergers and 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, said Academy CEO Bill Kramer.

While viewership has waned over the years, a modest uptick was seen recently among younger viewers accessing the show on mobile devices.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan praised the Oscars as a vital cultural institution and expressed commitment to inspiring new generations of film enthusiasts.

ABC, which has hosted the awards since 1976, looks forward to its remaining three telecasts before the transition.

This change reflects broader trends in the entertainment industry as audiences shift to preferred streaming services.