The Academy Awards are preparing for a major transformation as the Oscars will officially move from traditional broadcast television to streaming, with YouTube set to become the exclusive global home of the ceremony beginning in 2029.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that YouTube has secured a multi-year agreement to stream the Oscars worldwide. The deal, which will run through 2033, represents a significant shift for one of Hollywood’s most prestigious institutions as the entertainment industry continues to pivot away from legacy television toward digital platforms.
For decades, the Oscars have aired on ABC, which is owned by Disney. The network will retain broadcasting rights through 2028, including the ceremony’s centennial celebration. However, the Academy recently began shopping future rights, sparking widespread speculation that a major technology company would emerge as the next partner. YouTube ultimately outbid ABC and other interested parties, although financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan described the Oscars as one of the world’s most important cultural institutions, noting that the partnership is intended to inspire a new generation of creators and film enthusiasts while preserving the ceremony’s long-standing legacy.
The move underscores the growing dominance of streaming platforms such as YouTube and Netflix, which have fundamentally changed how global audiences consume entertainment. Reactions within Hollywood have been mixed, with some creatives welcoming the change as a forward-thinking evolution, while others see it as a symbolic departure from tradition.
Despite the shift to streaming, the Academy has maintained its emphasis on theatrical releases. Many Oscar-winning films still premiere at major festivals and enjoy cinema runs before arriving on streaming platforms. The 2025 Best Picture winner, for instance, debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, screened in theaters, and only later became available for streaming.
ABC acknowledged the transition in a statement, reflecting on its long history with the Oscars and expressing anticipation for its final three broadcasts. The network also wished the Academy continued success as it prepares to enter a new era.
With YouTube taking over streaming duties in 2029, the Oscars are poised to reflect changing viewing habits and the increasing influence of digital platforms in shaping the future of global entertainment.