The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has struck a multi-year deal to move the Oscars from broadcast television to streaming exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029, ending a more than half-century run on ABC. This shift represents a watershed moment for the entertainment industry, reflecting the ongoing migration from traditional media to digital platforms.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, with YouTube securing exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033. ABC, owned by Disney, will continue to broadcast the awards ceremony until 2028, including the show’s centennial celebration. The Academy had been auctioning off future telecast rights, and YouTube outbid ABC and other potential buyers, though financial details were not disclosed.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan praised the Oscars as “one of our essential cultural institutions” and expressed that the partnership would “inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor emphasized that the move aims to expand access to a global audience, benefiting Academy members and the film community at large.
The decision comes amid a broader transformation in Hollywood, where studios are grappling with mergers, production cuts, and the rise of streaming services. Viewership for the Oscars has declined over the decades, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with younger audiences increasingly tuning in via mobile devices and computers. By moving to YouTube, the Academy hopes to reach these digital-native viewers and reverse the trend of dwindling ratings.
ABC, which has been the home of the Oscars since 1976, stated that it looks forward to the next three telecasts and wishes the Academy continued success. The network’s loss of the prestigious event underscores the challenges facing broadcast television as audiences shift to on-demand streaming. This move is part of a larger pattern where major live events are increasingly being captured by tech giants.
Industry reactions have been mixed, with some creators viewing the shift as a necessary adaptation to changing viewer habits, while others see it as a threat to traditional storytelling. Screenwriter Daniel Kunka remarked on social media that “YouTube broadcasting the Oscars is like shaking hands with the guy who’s trying to kill you,” highlighting the tension between legacy media and new platforms.
The Oscars’ transition to YouTube also raises questions about the future of other major awards shows, such as the Grammys, Emmys, and Tonys, which may consider similar moves. As streaming platforms continue to gain influence, the entertainment industry must navigate the balance between preserving cultural traditions and embracing technological innovation.
In conclusion, the Oscars’ move to YouTube starting in 2029 marks a pivotal step in the evolution of media consumption, signaling the declining dominance of broadcast television and the ascendancy of digital streaming. It sets the stage for a new era in how global audiences experience one of cinema’s most celebrated events.
