The Academy Awards will begin airing exclusively on YouTube in 2029, the latest big change in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that it signed a multi-year deal which gives YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, planned for March 15, will be available live and for free on YouTube starting in 2029. It represents a significant shift, as the event has aired for over fifty years on ABC.
This transformation is part of broader changes in the Hollywood landscape, which is currently navigating studio mergers, sales, and substantial production cuts.
The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — benefiting our Academy members and the film community, stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor.
Oscar ratings have seen a decline in recent years, paralleling trends seen with other award shows like the Golden Globes and the Grammy Awards. In 2025, ratings dipped compared to previous years.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan referred to the Oscars as one of our essential cultural institutions and expressed optimism that the partnership would help motivate a new generation of artists and film lovers while preserving the Oscars' distinguished legacy.
ABC responded, saying they are looking forward to the next three telecasts they will still host before the transfer to YouTube takes effect.
