**The Oscars Transition to YouTube for 2029**
In a significant shift for the entertainment industry, the Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029. This major announcement comes from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which confirmed that it has entered into a multi-year agreement granting YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until at least 2033. This move marks the end of a 50-year tradition in which the Oscars have been broadcast on ABC, as the awards ceremony aims to reach a broader and younger audience.
The transition to a digital platform reflects changing viewing habits in an evolving media landscape. Historically, the Academy Awards have been a staple of network television, but the rise in online streaming services has compelled traditional broadcasting to adapt. The ceremony is also scheduled for March 15 of the upcoming ceremony year, ensuring that it continues to maintain its esteemed position in the film calendar.
**Reasons for the Transition**
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor outlined their reasoning in a joint statement, noting that the partnership with YouTube will provide expanded access to the Academy’s work. Their sentiment emphasizes the goal of reaching the largest possible global audience—essentially strengthening the relevance of the Oscars in a time when viewership has been on a decline, particularly among young demographics.
Interestingly, there was a slight increase in viewership in 2025, primarily driven by younger audiences who tuned in via mobile devices and streaming applications. This demographic shift highlights the importance of adapting to contemporary media consumption trends and suggests that more people are seeking content from non-traditional broadcasting formats.
**YouTube’s Role in Cultural Heritage**
YouTube’s CEO Neal Mohan commented on the significance of the Oscars, describing it as “one of our essential cultural institutions.” Mohan expressed excitement about collaborating with the Academy to inspire new generations of creative individuals and to continue the legacy of the Oscars. The alliance aims to facilitate innovative experiences for audiences, further cementing the Oscars’ role within modern culture.
Despite the extravagant spectacle that the Academy Awards represent, ABC—which has aired the celebrities’ gala event since 1976—has acknowledged this change. The network remains committed to hosting the next three ceremonies before their rights come to an end as per the newly inked deal with YouTube. ABC’s perspective suggests confidence that they can still deliver a memorable viewing experience during the remaining ceremonies.
**Context of the Wider Industry Landscape**
This deal also unfolds amidst a transformative era for Hollywood, where numerous studio mergers and sales have altered the dynamics of content production. In parallel, steep cuts in production budgets have become commonplace as traditional cable networks face stiff competition from burgeoning streaming services. For instance, on the same day the Oscars news surfaced, Warner Bros Discovery recommended that its shareholders reject a hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance in favor of competing interests tied to Netflix.
As the industry grapples with such challenges, YouTube securing streaming rights for the Oscars signals a broader trend toward an increasing reliance on digital platforms. This change not only reflects the shifting tides of media consumption but also serves as a crucial indicator of where audiences are migrating.
In summarizing the developments, the Oscars moving to YouTube is a strategic adjustment aimed at rejuvenating the award show’s relevance in a changing viewing landscape. The collaboration holds promising opportunities for the Academy to connect with emerging audiences and evolve in tandem with the industry dynamics that are shaping the future of entertainment.
