Oscars relocate broadcast to YouTube starting 2029
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that, beginning in 2029, the Academy Awards will transition from ABC to exclusive streaming on YouTube. ABC will retain broadcast rights through 2028, the year that will also mark the ceremony’s 100th anniversary, after which the change takes effect.
YouTube will hold global streaming rights for the Oscars, red‑carpet coverage, the Governors Awards, and the nominations announcement through 2033. The ceremony will be available free worldwide, with multiple audio tracks and closed captioning on the platform, replacing traditional broadcast.
The Academy’s leadership indicated that the partnership expands access to its programming for a broader global audience. This arrangement is the first among the four major American awards to rely solely on a streaming service and drops broadcast entirely, tapping YouTube’s estimated two billion users.
ABC has aired the ceremony on a near‑continuous basis since 1961, except during a brief NBC run from 1971 to 1975. The network acknowledged its long history with the Oscars and confirmed plans to broadcast the 2028 centennial event before concluding its involvement.
Financial terms for the deal were not disclosed. The 2025 ceremony attracted 19.7 million viewers on ABC, a slight increase from the prior year, and the parties have confirmed the transition details.