WEB DESK: The Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, marking a major shift in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a multi-year deal granting YouTube exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033. Starting on March 15, 2029, the Oscars will stream live and free on YouTube, ending a 50-year run on ABC.
This move reflects broader industry changes, including studio mergers and significant production cuts. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor noted that the partnership aims to reach the largest global audience, benefiting both Academy members and the film community.
Oscar viewership has declined over decades, though a modest rise was recorded in 2025, driven by younger viewers via mobile and digital platforms. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called the Oscars a cultural cornerstone, expressing hopes to inspire new creative talent while preserving the awards’ legacy.
ABC will continue hosting the Oscars for its final three contracted broadcasts through 2028. Meanwhile, the industry faces consolidation pressures, as Warner Bros Discovery declined a takeover bid from Paramount Skydance and considered an alternative from Netflix—choices reflecting challenges in a streaming-dominated landscape.
YouTube securing Oscars streaming rights highlights the industry’s growing reliance on digital platforms
