In a landmark decision that signals a seismic shift for one of entertainment's most storied nights, the Oscars are officially leaving traditional network television. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a multi-year deal to broadcast the Academy Awards on YouTube, beginning in 2029.
The End of a Broadcast Era
This move marks the conclusion of a partnership that defined an era. The Oscars have aired on ABC since 1976, a relationship that will officially end after the network's final broadcast in 2028. That year will be a milestone, hosting the 100th ceremony. The awards first appeared on television in 1953 on NBC, making this shift to a digital platform a historic break from nearly a century of broadcast tradition.
The new exclusive four-year contract with YouTube starts with the 2029 ceremony. The agreement covers not just the main awards show but will also stream red carpet arrivals, behind-the-scenes moments, and the exclusive Governors Ball after-party.
A Global and Accessible Future on YouTube
The Academy and YouTube framed the partnership as a move to dramatically expand global access and engagement. The broadcast will be free to viewers worldwide, while YouTube TV subscribers in the United States will also have access.
"This collaboration will leverage YouTube's vast reach and infuse the Oscars and other Academy programming with innovative opportunities for engagement while honoring our legacy," said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor in a joint statement. They emphasized the goal of celebrating cinema and inspiring new filmmakers "on an unprecedented global scale."
Key features of the YouTube stream will include closed captioning and audio tracks available in multiple languages, aiming to make the show more accessible to a broader international audience.
What This Means for Viewers and the Industry
For Canadian viewers, the immediate future remains unchanged. The 2026 Oscars, hosted once again by Conan O'Brien, will air on March 15 on ABC and CTV in Canada. The transition to YouTube will not occur until the 2029 ceremony.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan stated the partnership will "inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' storied legacy." This move reflects the ongoing trend of major live events migrating from linear television to digital streaming platforms in search of younger, global audiences.
The decision underscores the evolving landscape of how audiences consume premium live content. As one of the last major appointment-viewing television events, the Oscars' jump to YouTube is a powerful indicator of streaming's dominance in the future of entertainment broadcasting.
