The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029, ending decades of broadcasts on ABC. The five-year agreement marks a major shift for Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony, aligning with evolving global viewing habits that increasingly favor online platforms.
According to Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor, the move to YouTube aims to reach “the largest worldwide audience possible,” benefiting both Academy members and the global film community. The decision highlights the Oscars’ intention to adapt to modern content consumption trends, particularly among younger viewers who increasingly watch entertainment online rather than on traditional television.
The annual ceremony, which honors the year’s top achievements in film and attracts A-list stars from across the globe, has historically drawn around 20 million US viewers and millions more internationally. ABC’s contract to broadcast the Oscars will continue until 2028, culminating with the 100th Academy Awards. After that milestone, YouTube will take over as the exclusive streaming platform.
This move represents a broader acceptance of streaming platforms by Hollywood institutions. Over the past decade, streamers have become a dominant force, offering massive contracts and challenging traditional studios. Films distributed by streaming platforms have also gained recognition at the Oscars, including Apple’s CODA, which won Best Picture in 2022. Similarly, the SAG Awards recently shifted to Netflix, reflecting the industry’s gradual embrace of digital-first distribution.
YouTube, owned by Google, accounts for the largest share of television and video viewing in the United States, surpassing competitors such as Netflix. The Academy expects that the platform’s reach will provide innovative opportunities for audience engagement while preserving the show’s legacy. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but reports suggest YouTube’s offer outpaced ABC’s valuation.
While ABC has been the Oscars’ “proud home” for more than half a century, the broadcast landscape has changed dramatically. Ratings have fluctuated in recent years, with viewership dipping during the COVID-19 pandemic and rebounding to nearly 19.7 million for the most recent telecast, which was also streamed on Hulu.
By partnering with YouTube, the Academy is betting on a new era of global accessibility, aiming to revitalize the Oscars for the digital age while maintaining its status as Hollywood’s premier awards event.
