Oscars Head to YouTube in 2029, Abandoning ABC Home

A New Era for the Oscars: Streaming on YouTube Begins in 2029

The Academy Awards, one of the most anticipated events in the entertainment industry, are undergoing a significant transformation. In a major development, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Oscars will transition from ABC to YouTube starting in 2029. This marks a pivotal shift in how the prestigious event is broadcast and consumed by audiences around the world.

ABC will continue to air the ceremony through 2028, which will be the 100th anniversary of the Oscars. The network has been the home of the event for over half a century, with only a brief period between 1971 and 1975 when NBC took over. However, beginning in 2029, YouTube will take full responsibility for streaming the Oscars, including red-carpet coverage, the Governors Awards, and the Oscar nominations announcement.

Expanding Access and Global Reach

The partnership between the Academy and YouTube is seen as a strategic move to reach a broader audience. “We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming,” said academy chief executive Bill Kramer and academy president Lynette Howell Taylor. They emphasized that this collaboration will allow the Academy to expand access to its content, benefiting both members and the film community globally.

YouTube, with its vast user base of 2 billion viewers, offers an unparalleled platform for reaching audiences worldwide. The Oscars will be available for free on YouTube, as well as through YouTube TV subscribers. The event will also feature audio tracks in multiple languages and closed captioning, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience.

A Shift from Traditional Broadcast Television

This move represents a significant departure from traditional broadcast television. While other major award shows have embraced streaming partnerships, the YouTube deal is the first among the big four — the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, and Tonys — to completely move away from broadcast television. This decision places one of the most-watched non-NFL broadcasts under the control of Google, a company known for its extensive digital reach.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry.” He added that the collaboration will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while maintaining the legacy of the Oscars.

Financial Terms and Future Implications

Although the financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, the move signals a bold step for both the Academy and YouTube. The Academy chose YouTube over other potential partners such as Netflix or NBC Universal/Peacock, recognizing the platform’s massive audience and potential for growth. However, YouTube may face challenges in establishing a robust production infrastructure to match the high standards of the Oscars.

Despite these challenges, YouTube's appeal to younger audiences is undeniable. According to Nielsen, YouTube accounted for 12.9% of all television and streaming content consumed in November, surpassing Netflix, which held an 8.3% market share.

Legacy and Evolution of the Oscars

The Oscars have long been a cornerstone of American television, with ABC playing a central role in their history. The network’s statement acknowledged its proud history with the event, expressing excitement for the upcoming telecasts, including the centennial celebration in 2028.

In recent years, the ratings for the Oscars have fluctuated. The 2025 Academy Awards drew 19.7 million viewers on ABC, a slight increase from the previous year. However, this number pales in comparison to the peak ratings of the late 1990s, when over 55 million viewers tuned in for the "Titanic" awards.

As the Oscars prepare for their next chapter on YouTube, the event continues to evolve, reflecting changes in media consumption and audience preferences. The transition to a streaming platform signifies a new era for the Oscars, one that promises to reach even more people around the globe.