The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, ending its long-time broadcast partnership with ABC.

In a significant transformation for one of the most coveted events in the entertainment industry, the Academy Awards will shift from traditional broadcasting to streaming exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences disclosed this groundbreaking decision on Wednesday. Prior to this transition, ABC will continue its long-standing association with the Oscars, broadcasting the ceremony through 2028, which coincides with the landmark 100th edition of the awards.

Beginning in 2029 and extending through 2033, YouTube will hold the global streaming rights to the Oscars, encompassing not only the main event but also ancillary programming such as the glamorous red-carpet coverage, the Governors Awards, and the Oscar nominations announcement. This partnership indicates a strategic move to enhance the accessibility and global reach of one of the film industry’s most prestigious recognitions. The Academy expressed its enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting that it will allow them to broaden their outreach to a wider audience worldwide.

The deal with YouTube introduces a new chapter in the evolution of major award shows, as the Oscars become the first among the four foremost ceremonies—Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, and Tonys—to fully embrace streaming while parting ways with broadcast television. YouTube, boasting an audience of roughly 2 billion users globally, presents a vast potential viewership for the Oscars, transcending traditional boundaries.

Notably, the Oscars will be freely accessible to worldwide audiences on YouTube, including subscribers of YouTube TV. The presentation will be enhanced with multiple audio tracks in various languages, along with closed captioning, catering to a diverse audience. While the specific financial details of this new agreement remain undisclosed, it signifies a notable shift in how major cultural events engage with their audiences.

YouTube’s chief executive, Neal Mohan, articulated the platform’s commitment to bringing this iconic celebration of artistry and storytelling to a global viewer base. This effort aims to inspire emerging creators and cinema enthusiasts, ensuring the Oscars maintain their esteemed legacy.

Historically, ABC has been the primary broadcaster for the Oscars, securing rights in 1961 after a brief stint by NBC that began in 1953. The Oscars remained with ABC with only a few interruptions until this recent announcement. In a statement, ABC expressed pride in its lengthy association with the Oscars, emphasizing its anticipation for the upcoming ceremonies leading to their centennial celebration.

The shift to YouTube comes amid declining television ratings for award shows. For instance, the 2025 Academy Awards garnered 19.7 million viewers, a modest rise from previous years but significantly lower than the numbers posted during peak viewership in the past decades. The film academy’s choice of YouTube over potential competitors such as Netflix or NBC Universal reflects the platform’s expansive reach, particularly among younger demographics, who predominantly favor streaming options. Nielsen data indicates that YouTube accounted for 12.9% of total television and streaming consumption in November, compared to Netflix’s 8.3%.

In summary, the anticipated transition to YouTube marks a pivotal evolution in the distribution of the Oscars, signifying a broader trend in how cultural events will adapt to an increasingly digital landscape.