YouTube will stream the Oscars — exclusively — beginning in 2029

In a groundbreaking announcement, YouTube has secured exclusive streaming rights for the Oscars, set to commence in 2029, as confirmed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Google-owned platform triumphed over several competitors, including the traditional broadcaster ABC, which has hosted the prestigious awards since 1976, with only a brief interruption in the early 1970s. The first Oscars to be streamed on YouTube will be the 101st ceremony in 2029, and the agreement will extend through 2033. ABC will continue to air the event until 2028, marking the end of an era for the network. While the specific financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, this transition signifies a significant shift in how one of television's most anticipated events will be presented. YouTube’s entry into this realm highlights its growing influence in the television landscape, particularly as streaming platforms increasingly take on live events. The Oscars ceremony will be accessible live and free to over 2 billion viewers worldwide on YouTube, as well as to subscribers of YouTube TV in the United States. This move comes in response to a notable decline in Oscar viewership, which has decreased from a high of 55 million in 1998 to around 20 million in recent years, prompting the Academy to seek new avenues to engage audiences. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed their enthusiasm for this new partnership, stating, "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. This collaboration will enable us to broaden access to our work and benefit both Academy members and the film community on a global scale." In addition to the main ceremony, YouTube's coverage will include red carpet events, behind-the-scenes content, Oscar nomination announcements, interviews with Academy members and filmmakers, access to the Governors Ball, educational programs, podcasts, and more. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan emphasized the cultural significance of the Oscars, stating, "Partnering with the Academy to share this celebration of creativity and storytelling will inspire a new generation of film lovers while honoring the Oscars' rich legacy." While streaming platforms have previously acquired rights to awards shows, such as Netflix with the SAG Awards, this marks the first instance where one of the major awards shows—Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys—will completely transition from traditional broadcast television to streaming.