MANILA – In a groundbreaking shift for Hollywood’s most prestigious awards show, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on December 17, 2025, that the Oscars will move exclusively to YouTube beginning with the 101st ceremony in 2029, ending a nearly 50-year partnership with ABC (Disney-owned) that dates back to 1976. The multi-year deal grants YouTube global streaming rights through at least 2033, making the event free to watch worldwide on the platform (and via YouTube TV in the US), including red carpet coverage, nominations announcements, Governors Awards, and behind-the-scenes content.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor hailed the partnership: “This collaboration will leverage YouTube’s vast reach… to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible.” YouTube CEO Neal Mohan added: “The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions… Partnering with the Academy will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”
ABC will host the final three broadcasts through 2028, including the centennial 100th Oscars.
Why the Move to YouTube?
- Global Accessibility: Free streaming reaches billions, with features like multi-language audio and captions—addressing declining traditional TV viewership (2025 Oscars drew ~19.7 million on ABC, up slightly but far from peaks).
- Innovation and Engagement: Year-round content on the Oscars YouTube channel, creator involvement, and potential for interactive elements.
- Industry Trends: Follows SAG Awards to Netflix and reflects streaming’s dominance; YouTube outbid Netflix, NBCUniversal, and others.
The deal includes Google assisting in digitizing the Academy’s 52+ million film artifacts.
Reactions are mixed: Excitement for wider reach vs. concerns over production quality (YouTube lacks traditional live-event infrastructure) and theatrical emphasis in an increasingly streaming world.
For global fans, this democratizes the glamour—red carpet drama, emotional speeches, and golden statuettes, all a click away for free.
Deal Timeline Snapshot:
| Period | Broadcaster/Platform |
|---|---|
| Through 2028 | ABC (traditional broadcast) |
| 2029-2033 | YouTube (exclusive global streaming, free worldwide) |