The glittering world of Hollywood is once again bracing for a monumental shift, as the Academy Awards – the pinnacle of cinematic recognition – is set to embark on a groundbreaking new chapter. In a move that sends ripples throughout the entertainment industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this week that the Oscars will transition from its half-century home on ABC to an exclusive global streaming partnership with YouTube, commencing in 2029. This landmark decision marks not just an ABC exit for the iconic awards show, but a clear declaration of where the future of major live events truly lies.
For generations, the annual Academy Awards telecast on ABC has been a cornerstone of American television, a night where millions gathered to celebrate film and witness cinematic history unfold. However, starting with the 2029 ceremony, and continuing exclusively until 2033, viewers worldwide will be able to experience Hollywood’s biggest night live and entirely free on YouTube Oscars. The current partnership with ABC will conclude after the 2028 ceremony, giving the network three more years to host the prestigious event it has aired since 1976. This bold leap into the digital realm underscores the profound transformation reshaping the very fabric of how we consume entertainment.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor articulated the strategic vision behind this unprecedented alliance. “The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible,” they stated, emphasizing the benefits for Academy members and the broader film community. This forward-thinking approach directly addresses the evolving viewing habits of audiences, particularly a younger demographic that increasingly shuns traditional cable for digital platforms. While overall awards show viewership has seen declines, a notable uptick in 2025 indicated a strong engagement from younger viewers tuning in via cell phones and computers – a clear signpost pointing to the immense potential of YouTube Oscars.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan echoed this sentiment, hailing the Oscars as “one of our essential cultural institutions.” He expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s potential to “inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.” The move is a significant win for Hollywood streaming, solidifying YouTube’s position not just as a platform for user-generated content, but as a serious contender for premium live events.
This seismic shift for the Academy Awards is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a larger tremor shaking the foundations of Hollywood. The industry is currently grappling with a whirlwind of studio sales, mergers, and steep production cuts, reflecting a turbulent period of reinvention. Just this week, Warner Bros Discovery recommended shareholders reject a hostile takeover bid, preferring a rival offer from streaming titan Netflix over Paramount Skydance. Such maneuvers highlight the desperate scramble for relevance and market share in an increasingly digital-first landscape. Traditional cable networks, much like major studios, have been struggling to retain viewership as the public overwhelmingly opts for the flexibility and on-demand nature of streaming services.
The decision for Oscars streaming on YouTube is more than just a broadcast deal; it’s a powerful affirmation of the undeniable dominance of streaming platforms. It signifies a pivotal moment where even the most venerable institutions are recognizing the imperative to adapt or risk obsolescence. As the curtain falls on one era and rises on another, the Oscars on YouTube promise a new dawn for the awards show, one that embraces global accessibility and the digital future, proving that even in Tinseltown, change is the only constant.
