Oscars to Move from ABC to YouTube in 2029 for Global Reach

Conan O'Brien to Host 98th Academy Awards

The 98th Academy Awards are set to take place on Sunday, March 15, and will be hosted by Conan O'Brien for the second consecutive year. This year's event will follow the traditional format, with the ceremony being broadcast on ABC as it has been in previous years.

A New Era for the Oscars

Starting in 2029, the Oscars will find a new global home on YouTube. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a deal that grants YouTube exclusive rights to stream the awards from the 101st ceremony through 2033. This partnership marks a significant shift in how the Oscars will be accessed by audiences worldwide.

The current domestic broadcast arrangement with ABC will continue until the 100th Oscars in 2028. The Academy emphasized that this new agreement with YouTube is not meant to replace the existing partnership but to expand the reach of the Oscars and other Academy programming.

"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 CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor in a statement. "The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible."

Expanding Access and Engagement

This collaboration is expected to bring innovative opportunities for engagement while honoring the legacy of the Oscars. The Academy plans to make all coverage, including red carpet events, behind-the-scenes content, and the annual Governors Ball, available on YouTube. This move is aimed at reaching a broader audience and providing more access to the film community.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it will "inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy."

Hosting the Ceremony

Conan O'Brien will return to host the 98th Academy Awards, continuing his role from the previous year. O'Brien, known for his humor and wit, has become a familiar face at the event. His return was confirmed earlier this year, and he has already made some light-hearted remarks about the experience.

"The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech," O'Brien joked in a press release. This comment refers to Brody's record-breaking acceptance speech after winning Best Actor at the 2025 ceremony.

Event Details

The 98th Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on Sunday, March 15. The ceremony will be broadcast on ABC, following the traditional format. Fans can expect another night of celebration, showcasing the best in cinema and honoring the achievements of filmmakers and actors.

Upcoming Nominations

Nominations for the 2026 Oscars will be announced on January 22. This date marks the beginning of the next phase of the Oscar season, with studios and filmmakers preparing their campaigns for the upcoming awards.

As the Oscars prepare for their new chapter on YouTube, the event continues to evolve while maintaining its status as one of the most prestigious celebrations in the entertainment industry. With a mix of tradition and innovation, the Academy is setting the stage for a global audience to enjoy the magic of the Oscars.