Oscars Move to YouTube in 2029, Ending ABC Run
Oscars Move to YouTube in 2029, Ending ABC Run
The Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube and YouTube TV from 2029 after a three-year ABC window, signaling Hollywood's bold shift to digital audiences.
In a move that could redefine prime-time awards, the Motion Picture Academy announced a multi-year deal to stream the Oscars on YouTube and YouTube TV starting in 2029. The ceremony will remain on ABC for the next three years before shifting to Alphabet's platforms, a decision that comes as Hollywood grapples with changing audience habits and a reshaped media landscape. The announcement notes a broader push toward global reach and digital accessibility as fans increasingly consume events online.
The Academy described the partnership as multifaceted and future-facing, emphasizing that the Oscars and year-round Academy programming will be housed on YouTube and YouTube TV. CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor spoke of a global collaboration designed to bring the ceremony to a worldwide audience in new and immersive ways.
Under the plan, the Oscars will air on ABC through the upcoming transitional period, then relocate to YouTube in 2029. YouTube and YouTube TV are expected to host the ceremony and likely expand behind-the-scenes content, live streams, and additional Academy programming throughout the year. The move lands amid a broader industry reckoning: streaming platforms and tech-driven formats are reshaping how content is produced, promoted, and consumed.
Observers note that the shift could broaden access and engagement on a global scale, even as it stirs questions about monetization, sponsorships, and the prestige traditionally associated with a broadcast event. Some Academy members have voiced curiosity about how the live experience will translate to a platform renowned for user-generated content, while others welcome the opportunity to reach new audiences beyond traditional TV distributors. The development arrives amid other notable industry dynamics, including production activity moving away from Los Angeles, adding another layer of complexity to Hollywood’s evolving ecosystem.
Overall, the Academy frames the deal as a bold step into the streaming era, signaling a long-term partnership with YouTube that promises to redefine how one of cinema’s most storied nights is watched, shared, and remembered.
