The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a multi-year agreement granting YouTube exclusive global streaming rights for the Academy Awards, commencing in 2029 and extending through 2033. This partnership will transition the annual awards ceremony from its traditional broadcast on ABC, concluding a broadcast history that began in 1976.
Transition Details
The Academy Awards, often referred to as the Oscars, will conclude their tenure with ABC after the 2028 ceremony. ABC has broadcast the event since 1976 and is scheduled to host the next three telecasts. Beginning in 2029, the ceremony will be available live and free of charge on YouTube. The agreement was announced on Wednesday.
Statements from Leadership
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor stated that the partnership aims to expand access to the Academy's work to the largest possible worldwide audience, intending to benefit Academy members and the broader film community. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan characterized the Oscars as "one of our essential cultural institutions" and indicated that the collaboration with the Academy seeks to inspire a new generation of creativity and film enthusiasts while maintaining the event's historical significance.
Industry Context and Viewership Trends
Viewership for the Academy Awards has experienced a decline over several decades. However, a slight increase in younger viewers engaging via mobile devices and computers was reported in 2025.
This transition aligns with broader shifts within the entertainment industry, which has seen ongoing changes such as studio sales, mergers, and production reductions. Traditional broadcasters and cable networks have encountered challenges due to a public shift towards streaming services. For instance, this announcement coincides with Warner Bros Discovery's recommendation for its shareholders to reject a hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, favoring a rival bid from streaming service Netflix.