In a landmark decision, the Academy Awards will be streamed on YouTube starting 2029, ending over five decades of broadcast on the ABC network. For 50 years, ABC has been the traditional home for the Oscars, but this move reflects a clear shift in audience preferences toward digital streaming platforms over conventional television.
Global Streaming Deal with YouTube
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday that it has signed a deal with YouTube to stream the Oscars globally through 2033. While the Oscars ceremony scheduled for March 15 next year will still air on ABC, from 2029 onwards, YouTube will become the exclusive platform.
Accessibility Without Cable Subscriptions
One of the biggest advantages of this shift is that viewers will no longer require a cable subscription. Audiences worldwide can watch the Oscars live on their mobile devices, laptops, or smart TVs simply by accessing YouTube.
Why the Platform Change?
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor explained that the move to YouTube ensures that the Oscars reach a broader global audience, especially younger viewers who increasingly prefer streaming content on digital devices rather than traditional TV. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan described the Oscars as a key cultural institution that will now inspire a new generation of audiences.
Declining TV Viewership Drives the Change
The decision reflects the decline in traditional TV viewership for award shows. While there was a slight recovery in 2025, most viewers—particularly the younger demographic—watched the ceremony via phones and laptops, making digital streaming the natural next step.
Hollywood’s Digital Transformation
This announcement comes amid significant changes in Hollywood. Film studios are facing reduced production and sales, while streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix are gaining unprecedented popularity. Experts note that audiences are increasingly selective about cinema visits, preferring to consume entertainment directly on personal devices, signaling a broader shift in media consumption patterns.
With this move, the Oscars enter the digital era, embracing modern technology to reach audiences wherever they are, marking a historic turning point in entertainment broadcasting.
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