Oscars to Move from Television to YouTube Starting in 2029

The Academy Awards are set to undergo a massive transformation, leaving traditional broadcast television for a digital future. After decades of airing on ABC, the Oscars will move exclusively to YouTube beginning in 2029. This shift marks a significant turning point for Hollywood’s most prestigious event as it adapts to modern viewing habits.

ABC will continue to broadcast the ceremony through 2028, allowing the network to host the historic 100th anniversary of the awards. Following that milestone, YouTube will hold the global streaming rights from 2029 through 2033. This multi-year deal includes not just the main ceremony, but also the Governors Awards and official red carpet coverage.

Academy officials hope this partnership will revitalize interest in the show, which has seen declining television ratings in recent years. By streaming the event for free globally, they aim to reach a younger and more international audience. Viewers can expect features like multi-language audio tracks and closed captioning to make the experience more accessible.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan described the Oscars as an essential cultural institution and expressed excitement about bringing the celebration to viewers worldwide. The move reflects a broader industry trend where major live events are increasingly migrating to streaming platforms.

Do you think moving the Oscars to a streaming platform will make you more likely to watch the ceremony? Tell us what you think in the comments.