In a seismic shift for the entertainment industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced that YouTube will become the new exclusive global home of the Oscars.
Starting in 2029, the Academy Awards will leave its longtime home on ABC, ending a broadcast partnership that has spanned over five decades.
The Details of the Deal
The multi-year agreement grants YouTube exclusive global rights to stream the ceremony from 2029 through 2033, beginning with the 101st Oscars.
Global Access: The ceremony will stream live and for free to over 2 billion viewers worldwide.
Comprehensive Coverage: The deal includes not just the main awards show, but also red carpet arrivals, behind-the-scenes content, and access to the Governors Ball.
Year-Round Programming: YouTube will also host other Academy events, including the Governors Awards, the Nominations Announcement, and the Nominees Luncheon.
Technological Integration: To cater to an international audience, YouTube will leverage its platform to provide real-time closed captioning and audio tracks in dozens of languages.
Why the Move?
The shift comes as traditional linear television viewership continues to decline. While the 1998 broadcast of the Oscars drew a record 55 million viewers, recent years have seen those numbers hover around 18–20 million.
By moving to YouTube, the Academy aims to “meet global audiences where they already are.” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor stated that the partnership will “leverage YouTube’s vast reach” to inspire new generations of filmmakers on an “unprecedented global scale.”
The End of an Era for ABC
ABC, owned by Disney, has been the home of the Oscars since 1976. The network will maintain its rights through the 2028 ceremony, which marks the historic 100th anniversary of the awards.
Reports suggest that while ABC was interested in renewing, the financial scale of YouTube’s bid—estimated to be well over $100 million annually—exceeded what traditional broadcasters were willing to pay in the current market.
What happens next?
While the move to YouTube is still years away, the immediate future of the Oscars remains on traditional TV. Comedian Conan O’Brien is set to return as the host for the 2026 ceremony on March 15, 2026.
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