Hollywood history was made this week with a stunning announcement from the Academy. The annual Oscar ceremony is officially migrating from ABC to a streaming platform. Starting in 2029, viewers must tune into the Oscars on YouTube to see their favorite stars. This decision concludes a relationship with broadcast television that lasted over fifty years. The Academy signed a multi-year deal with Google to ensure the show’s global reach.
The current contract with ABC stays in effect until the end of 2028. This means the 100th Academy Awards will still air on traditional television. However, the shift to a digital-first strategy represents a massive turning point for the industry. The Academy hopes that the Oscars on YouTube will solve the problem of declining TV ratings. By offering the show for free online, they can reach billions of potential new fans. Additionally, the move aligns with the viewing habits of Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
The new partnership with YouTube extends from 2029 through the 2033 ceremony. Under this deal, the platform gains global rights to every major Academy event. This includes the red carpet, the Governors Awards, and the nomination announcements. Furthermore, the stream will be available to all users without a paid subscription. This makes the Oscars on YouTube the most accessible version of the show ever produced. The Academy aims to leverage the platform’s advanced data and targeting capabilities.
For many years, ABC was the exclusive home for the biggest night in film. Despite this long partnership, the network has faced challenges with advertising revenue. For example, fewer people watch commercials on linear television than in previous decades. While the 2025 broadcast showed signs of life, the overall trend remains downward. Therefore, the Oscars on YouTube transition serves as a necessary evolution for the brand. It allows the Academy to regain control over its global distribution and growth.
Academy leaders Bill Kramer and Lynette Howell Taylor shared their vision for the future. They believe that this partnership will expand the Academy’s mission on a global scale. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of reaching film lovers in every single country. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called the Oscars one of the most essential cultural institutions. He stated that the platform will inspire a new generation of creative filmmakers. Thus, the Oscars on YouTube will serve as a bridge between tradition and innovation.
The move to a digital platform brings many unique technological advantages. For instance, the Academy can offer specialized camera angles for different viewers. Also, the platform supports high-definition 4K streaming that some cable boxes cannot provide. These improvements will make the Oscars on YouTube feel more immersive than a standard broadcast. While Disney was disappointed to lose the rights, the financial reality was clear. They could no longer justify the high cost of the exclusive broadcast license.
The shift toward streaming is now a standard practice for many live events. Major sports like the Olympics and the NFL are already experimenting with digital rights. Furthermore, the Grammy Awards are considering similar moves to increase their international presence. Clearly, the Oscars on YouTube is leading the way for high-profile awards ceremonies. The dominance of tech giants like Google and Apple is reshaping the media landscape.
Additionally, the Academy will use Google’s tools to share its vast library of film. This project will digitize over 52 million artifacts from the Academy Museum. Consequently, students and fans can research film history from anywhere in the world. This content will stay on the platform to support the Oscars on YouTube throughout the year. The Academy wants to be a constant presence in the lives of movie fans.
We will see the final ABC broadcasts over the next three years. The 2028 show will be a massive celebration of a century of cinema. Nevertheless, the industry is already looking toward the 101st ceremony on the internet. Analysts expect that the digital move will attract more high-profile sponsors and advertisers. In conclusion, the Oscars on YouTube marks a bold and necessary change for Hollywood’s most famous night.
