The Oscars Major Shift: Academy Awards Bid Adieu to ABC, Heads to YouTube for Live Streaming Starting 2029

After nearly 100 years, the Academy Awards’ Oscars will be streaming on YouTube for free, from 2029 to 2033. The global rights to the biggest night in film were initially held by ABC. It is now shifting to the video platform for a period of four years. In an official statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor announced that their collaboration with YouTube will expand the Academy’s access to a larger global audience. Moreover, the partnership will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community. 

Oscars to Stream on YouTube for Free Starting 2029

Over the years, the Academy has been striving hard to diversify its voting body and increase the number of international voters, with 21 percent now from outside the US. The Academy CEO and President stated, “We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming.” On the other hand, Neal Mohan, the CEO of YouTube, praised the Oscars as one of the essential cultural institutions. Moreover, he believes that the partnership will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy. 

Bidding adieu to its 53-year broadcast partnership with ABC, the Academy opens access to the Governors awards, the nominations announcement, the nominees Luncheon, the student Academy awards, Academy member and film-maker interviews, film education programs, podcasts, and more. 

In 2025, YouTube achieved record viewership shares in the US. It has cemented its position as the most-watched streamer while the network television struggled to survive. In September, the platform hosted its first-ever live NFL game, reaching over 17 million viewers. Though the sudden announcement created shockwaves in the industry, the audience is happy to livestream it on the video platform for free. The nominations for the Oscars 2026 will be announced in January, and the ceremony will take place in March 2026.