Post by : Bianca
Haleem
In a significant shift for the beloved Academy Awards, the Oscars will no longer be shown on ABC and will instead stream live on YouTube beginning in 2029. This monumental decision concludes decades of broadcast television history for the ceremony and signals a new approach to viewership for global audiences.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made this announcement on Wednesday, confirming that ABC will retain its broadcasting rights until 2028, coinciding with the Oscars' centennial celebration. Following this, YouTube will officially host the streaming of the Oscars until 2033, granting it worldwide streaming rights for viewers across the globe.
Why This Shift is Significant
This transition encompasses more than a mere change in platforms; it signifies a profound evolution in how entertainment is consumed. Historically, the Oscars have thrived on traditional television, but the Academy's choice to partner with YouTube reflects shifting viewing patterns and the growing use of online streaming.
As one of the most extensive online platforms, YouTube attracts over 2 billion users, particularly among youthful audiences who favor it over traditional TV. This model not only enables viewers to watch from various devices, like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs, but also increases flexibility and accessibility.
Components of the Agreement
From 2029 onwards, YouTube will be responsible not only for the live Oscars ceremony but will also provide:
This means that YouTube will emerge as the central location for all content related to the Oscars, extending beyond just the primary ceremony.
Free Access for All
A notable advantage for viewers is that the Oscars will be available for free streaming on YouTube globally. For those with YouTube TV memberships, additional features will be accessible. The Academy assures that the show will include multilingual audio tracks and closed captioning for inclusive viewing.
Reactions from Academy Leaders
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, deeming it a “multi-faceted global collaboration” designed to maximize audience outreach. They emphasized the Academy's international presence and how this transition to YouTube will enable broader connections worldwide.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan highlighted the Oscars' cultural significance, believing this partnership will engage future generations of cinephiles while preserving the esteemed tradition of the awards.
Closure of a Long-standing Era for ABC
ABC has been the broadcasting home of the Oscars for over five decades, initiating its coverage in 1961 and consistently airing the ceremony, except for a brief hiatus between 1971 and 1975, when NBC took over. ABC proudly notes the upcoming final three ceremonies, including the landmark centennial celebration in 2028.
Changing Viewer Habits
As viewership has declined in recent years, the 2025 Oscars drew 19.7 million viewers—an improvement from 2024 but far below peaks seen in previous decades, such as the 55 million who tuned in for the 1999 ceremony. Many believe this transition to streaming presents an opportunity to connect with larger, younger audiences while broadening global reach.
Choosing YouTube: Advantages Over Other Platforms
While Netflix and NBC's Peacock were among the Academy's considerations, choosing YouTube offers distinct advantages:
A massive global audience.
Familiarity with sharing videos, trailers, and behind-the-scenes clips.
Popularity among younger demographics.
Despite YouTube's relative inexperience in hosting live events compared to traditional broadcasters, its vast reach is undeniable. In November, Nielsen revealed that YouTube accounted for 12.9% of TV and streaming time in the U.S., outpacing Netflix at 8.3%.
A New Direction for Award Shows
This marks the inaugural instance where a major award ceremony—such as the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, or Tonys—has completely transitioned away from broadcast television. While some award shows have a streaming presence, none have fully committed to an online format until this moment; thus, making the Oscars' shift historic.
A Century of Tradition, A Modern Future
Having been a mainstay in Hollywood for nearly a century, the Oscars salute excellence in film, acting, directing, and storytelling. Throughout its illustrious history, the ceremony has undergone numerous transformations—from black-and-white telecasts to high-definition broadcasts. Moving to YouTube symbolizes a paramount transition in its journey.
As the centennial celebration approaches in 2028, the Academy gears up for a future where audiences access the ceremony online instead of through traditional broadcasts. This move represents the ongoing evolution in technology and audience preferences—shifting from cable to mobile and on-demand access.
What to Anticipate as Viewers
Beginning in 2029, viewers can look forward to:
Simplified access to live and recorded events
Increased interactive features
Global accessibility without cable constraints
Expanded behind-the-scenes content
More options for languages and captions
This shift also opens doors for the Academy to create engaging content year-round, rather than solely focusing on an annual event.
Moving the Oscars to YouTube symbolizes a bold leap onto a platform where the audience already thrives, fostering opportunities for rejuvenation and inclusivity. This pivot promises to allow a global community to engage with one of the most cherished awards shows as it embarks on a new chapter beyond its longstanding relationship with ABC.
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