In a move that marks one of the most significant shifts in Hollywood’s media history, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube beginning in 2029. The deal, confirmed by NBC News, ends the decades-long broadcast partnership with ABC and ushers the world’s most-watched film awards into a digital-first era.
End of an Era
Since the 1970s, ABC has been the home of the Academy Awards in the United States. That contract, which runs through 2028, will conclude with the 100th Oscars. Starting with the 101st ceremony in 2029, YouTube will take over as the exclusive global streaming partner.Global Reach, Free Access
Unlike the traditional broadcast model, the Oscars will be available live and free worldwide on YouTube, including red carpet coverage and behind-the-scenes programming. In the U.S., viewers will also be able to watch via YouTube TV, bridging the gap for audiences accustomed to cable-style viewing.Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor described the deal as a way to “expand access to the Oscars globally” while infusing the ceremony with “innovative opportunities for engagement.”
Why the Shift Matters
- Declining Ratings: Oscars viewership has fallen sharply since its 1998 peak of 55 million (when Titanic swept the awards). Recent broadcasts hover around 20 million.
- Digital Dominance: Younger audiences increasingly consume content online, making YouTube a natural fit.
- Data & Engagement: Unlike broadcast TV, YouTube offers real-time analytics, interactive ad formats, and global reach — tools that could reshape how the Oscars evolve.
Strategic Impact
- Advertising: Brands will pivot from prime-time TV slots to YouTube’s dynamic ad ecosystem, leveraging pre-rolls, interactive sponsorships, and influencer collaborations.
- Audience Demographics: Gen Z and Millennials are expected to drive engagement, while YouTube TV provides continuity for older viewers.
- Cultural Positioning: The Oscars transform from a “TV event” into a global digital spectacle, aligning with how cultural moments are increasingly consumed online.
Industry Reactions
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan hailed the partnership as a chance to inspire “new generations of film lovers and creators.” Industry analysts see the deal as a watershed moment, signaling the growing dominance of streaming platforms in hosting cultural events once monopolized by broadcast television.The Oscars are coming to @YouTube 🎬
— Neal Mohan (@nealmohan) December 17, 2025
Starting in 2029, YouTube will become the global home for this celebration of cinema, helping to inspire a new generation of film lovers everywhere 🌎
Thank you to @TheAcademy for the partnership! pic.twitter.com/9PviFW5lp2
Looking Ahead
The Oscars’ leap to YouTube is more than a change of platform — it’s a redefinition of Hollywood’s biggest night. By embracing digital-first distribution, the Academy is betting on accessibility, interactivity, and global reach to restore the ceremony’s relevance in a fragmented media landscape.👉 Bottom line: Starting in 2029, the red carpet won’t just roll out in Hollywood — it will roll out across the world’s screens, free and live on YouTube.
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