In a landmark move that underscores the changing dynamics of global media consumption, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, will no longer be broadcast on traditional television in the United States beginning in 2029. Instead, the world’s most prestigious film awards ceremony will stream live and free globally on YouTube under a newly signed multi-year agreement, a decision that marks the end of more than fifty years of broadcast television history for the event.
The shift to YouTube represents a major strategic pivot for the Academy, reflecting how viewers around the world increasingly turn to digital platforms for major live events. Under the new arrangement, YouTube will hold exclusive global streaming rights to the Oscars from the 101st ceremony in 2029 through at least 2033, encompassing not only the main awards broadcast but also a range of associated content such as red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes programming, the Governors Awards, and nominations announcements.
ABC, the Walt Disney-owned broadcast network that has aired the Oscars since the mid-1970s, will retain the rights to televise the ceremony through 2028, including the 100th anniversary show. However, with traditional TV ratings for the Oscars having declined sharply over the years — even as recent telecasts briefly rebounded — the Academy and YouTube said the deal is designed to broaden accessibility and engagement worldwide.
The partnership with YouTube is being hailed by Academy leaders as a way to connect with a larger and more diverse audience. YouTube’s global reach, estimated to include over two billion logged-in users, presents the Academy with the opportunity to expand the Oscars’ cultural impact beyond the confines of U.S. network television. In statements, executives highlighted that offering the show on a widely used streaming platform will help attract younger viewers and international audiences who increasingly prefer online video over traditional broadcast channels.
YouTube has pledged to make the ceremony as accessible as possible, including features such as closed captioning and multiple language audio tracks, which are expected to significantly improve global viewership experiences. The platform also plans to host ancillary events and content, giving fans unprecedented access not just to the main awards night but to the broader Oscars ecosystem throughout the season.
While financial terms of the deal have not been publicly disclosed, industry analysts describe the arrangement as significant, with YouTube outbidding other potential partners to secure the rights. The move aligns with broader entertainment industry trends in which streaming services are increasingly acquiring high-profile live events and cultural milestones that were once the exclusive domain of broadcast television.
This transition marks one of the most dramatic changes in Oscars history and signals a clear shift toward digital-first media consumption. As Hollywood’s biggest night prepares to embrace a new era on YouTube, it also reflects broader changes in how audiences access major cultural events in an age dominated by online video platforms and on-demand viewing habits.
