The Academy Awards, known as the Oscars, are making a significant change. Starting in 2029, the prestigious event will leave its longtime home at ABC and stream exclusively on YouTube. This move was announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
ABC has held the broadcast rights for decades, airing the ceremony since 1961, with a few exceptions. The network will still show the Oscars through 2028, which will be a special year as it marks the 100th ceremony.
YouTube’s partnership means that every aspect of the Oscars, including nominations and red-carpet events, will be accessible to a global audience. This is exciting news for film lovers everywhere, as Neal Mohan, YouTube’s CEO, stated it will help inspire new fans and creators across the world.
What’s notable about this shift is that the Oscars are the first major awards show to fully embrace streaming, moving away from traditional broadcast TV. With over 2 billion users, YouTube presents a vast audience, especially among younger viewers. According to Nielsen, in November, YouTube captured 12.9% of all TV and streaming content consumed, surpassing Netflix’s 8.3% share.
The Oscars will continue to be free for everyone on YouTube and will include multiple audio tracks and closed captioning options. This accessibility is a step forward in reaching a wider audience.
While the financial details of the deal weren’t disclosed, this shift represents an important moment in how award shows adapt to changing viewing habits.
In comparison, the Oscars had about 19.7 million viewers in 2025, reflecting a decline from its peak, when over 55 million watched the 1999 ceremony. As entertainment continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Oscars adapt and whether they can attract a younger generation to this storied event.
For further insights on streaming trends, you can refer to a detailed Nielsen report.
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Movies, Academy Awards, James Cameron, Lynette Howell Taylor, Television, Academy Awards Oscars, Local News for Apple, California, Alphabet, Inc., Technology, Neal Mohan, Arts and entertainment, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Business
