Oscars to Stream Exclusively on YouTube After ABC Partnership Ends in 2029
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a significant shift in the distribution of the Academy Awards, revealing that the prestigious award ceremony will transition to an exclusive streaming format on YouTube starting in 2029. This monumental change marks the end of a longstanding arrangement with ABC, where the Oscars have been aired since 1976. The announcement was made public on Wednesday, outlining that the streaming partnership would extend through at least 2033.
As part of the agreement, viewers worldwide will have the opportunity to access the Oscars for free on YouTube, while YouTube TV subscribers in the U.S. will also be able to view the event. This transition coincides with the 100th edition of the Academy Awards, which will be ABC’s final broadcast of the ceremony.
In addition to the main event, the collaboration with YouTube will provide audiences with a wealth of supplementary content. This includes red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes footage, the Governors Awards, where honorary Oscars are awarded, the Scientific and Technical Awards, filmmaker interviews, and various educational programs and podcasts. Notably, the Academy plans to work with Google, YouTube’s parent company, to enhance digital access to select exhibitions at the Academy Museum and to facilitate the digitization of millions of items from the Academy Collection.
The ratings for the Oscars have been on a steady decline since reaching a peak in 1998, when over 55 million viewers tuned in to see “Titanic” sweep the awards with 11 wins. The most recent ceremony, during which “Anora” won the top honors, attracted approximately 20 million viewers, highlighting the challenges the Academy faces in maintaining audience engagement.
The partnership with YouTube aims to reverse this downward trend by establishing a “true hub for film fans,” thereby increasing accessibility and engagement globally. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of the Oscars as a cultural institution that celebrates storytelling and artistry. The commitment to reach a new generation of film watchers aligns with the Academy’s goal of inspiring creativity within the industry.
ABC, the Oscars’ long-time broadcaster, acknowledged its history with the awards and expressed anticipation for the upcoming ceremonies, including the significant milestone of the centennial celebration in 2028. As the Academy prepares for this transition, it remains committed to preserving the legacy of the Oscars while embracing new technology and digital platforms. The next Academy Awards, set for March 15, 2026, will be hosted by Conan O’Brien and serve as a bridge to the new era, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this iconic event in film history.
