Oscars to stream on YouTube from 2029 in landmark deal
Oscars to stream on YouTube from 2029 in landmark deal
Starting in 2029, the Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube with rights through 2033, signaling a bold shift in how audiences watch Hollywood’s biggest night.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, that the Oscars will depart ABC in 2029 and stream exclusively on YouTube through 2033. ABC will continue to broadcast the ceremony through 2028, including the 100th Oscars, which will be its final year on conventional TV. From 2029 onward, YouTube will hold global rights to stream the show, signaling a radical shift in how audiences around the world watch Hollywood's biggest night.
This multi-year deal marks one of the sharpest pivots in the history of a marquee event long anchored to prime-time television. By moving to a digital platform with a built-in global audience, the Academy aims to meet viewers where they increasingly spend their time and to offer potential new ways to engage with the show, from enhanced clips to interactive features. The agreement highlights the growing importance of streaming in rights negotiations and could influence how other live events approach distribution across borders.
Details about production, ad sales, and interactive opportunities will be announced in the coming months, but early indications suggest a stronger focus on global accessibility and social-media integration. YouTube, the platform chosen for this shift, has tens of millions of viewers worldwide and offers a suite of tools for creators and fans that could reshape how the ceremony is presented, promoted, and consumed. The Academy emphasized that the change is designed to broaden reach while preserving the ceremony's prestige and tradition, even as the viewing experience evolves for a digital era.
Industry observers say the move could boost international engagement but also raises questions about sponsorship, timing, and control over the broadcast presentation. For fans, the transition could change how they experience the red carpet, post-show analysis, and archival access. In the years ahead, many will be watching closely to see how a globally recognized event translates from a television prime-time moment into a YouTube-driven, on-demand, and interactive viewing experience.
