The Oscars to Leave Broadcast TV and Stream Exclusively on YouTube Beginning in 2029

The Oscars will officially move away from broadcast television and stream exclusively on YouTube beginning in 2029, marking a major turning point for the entertainment industry and one of its most iconic events.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday that YouTube has signed a multi-year agreement for the exclusive global rights to the Oscars. The deal will run through 2033 and ends a decades-long relationship with ABC, which has aired the Academy Awards since the 1970s. ABC, owned by Disney, will continue broadcasting the ceremony through 2028.

The move reflects a broader power shift in the media landscape, as traditional broadcast networks continue to lose ground to digital platforms and streaming services. While Netflix and other streamers have reshaped how audiences consume movies and television, YouTube’s acquisition of the Oscars underscores the platform’s growing influence in live, large-scale cultural events.

In recent weeks, the Academy had been shopping the rights to future Oscars broadcasts, sparking speculation that a major tech company would step in. YouTube ultimately secured the deal, positioning itself as the new home for Hollywood’s biggest night.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said the partnership is aimed at reaching audiences worldwide while preserving the legacy of the awards. He called the Oscars “one of our essential cultural institutions” and said the move would help inspire a new generation of creators and film fans.

The announcement signals a significant shift not only for the Oscars but also for the future of live entertainment events, as streaming platforms increasingly replace traditional television as the primary destination for major broadcasts.

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