In a historic shift for Hollywood’s biggest night, the Academy Awards will leave traditional U.S. broadcast television and move to YouTube beginning with the 101st Oscars in 2029. This marks the end of a more than 50-year run on ABC, as the Oscars embrace a new era of digital streaming.
Under a multi-year deal, YouTube will have exclusive global streaming rights through 2033, making the ceremony free to viewers worldwide. Fans can expect the full red carpet experience, behind-the-scenes coverage, and related Academy events to be included, all accessible without a paywall. YouTube will also offer multilingual audio tracks and closed captions, expanding accessibility for audiences around the globe.
The move reflects shifting viewing habits, with audiences increasingly tuning into digital platforms rather than traditional television. With YouTube’s massive global reach of over 2 billion users, the Academy hopes to engage new generations of viewers and broaden its worldwide audience.
Academy leaders emphasized that the partnership is designed to make the Oscars more inclusive, inspiring, and far-reaching, while still honoring the legacy of the event. The agreement, covering 2029 through 2033, will also extend to other Academy events, including the Governors Ball and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
This transition marks one of the most significant changes in how a major awards show is broadcast, underscoring the growing influence of digital streaming in global entertainment.
