In a move described as a "seismic shift" for the entertainment industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced that the Academy Awards will be leaving traditional broadcast television. After decades of being a staple on ABC, Hollywood’s biggest night is packing its bags for a new digital home: YouTube.
Starting in 2029 and running through 2033, the Oscars will be streamed exclusively and globally on the Google-owned platform. While the ceremony will remain on ABC for the next three years—culminating in the historic 100th-anniversary celebration in 2028—the transition marks the first time a major awards show like the Grammys or Tonys has completely abandoned the broadcast model for a digital-only future.
For veteran broadcasters like Fred Roggin, the news is bittersweet. Discussing the shift on The Roggin Report, an emotional Roggin noted that the move signals the official death of "appointment television." However, the Academy’s logic is clear: they are following the audience. With billions of users already on YouTube, the goal is to capture a younger, international demographic that has largely turned away from cable and antenna TV.
To sweeten the deal for fans, the Academy plans to stream the entire event free worldwide, including the red carpet and behind-the-scenes content. While the glitz and glamour remain, the medium is changing forever, proving that even Hollywood’s most prestigious stars must follow the digital crowd to stay relevant.
By: NBC Palm Springs
December 19, 2025
