Unsplash.com: Samuel RamosThe Academy Awards will no longer be broadcast on ABC for the first time in decades, moving away from the traditional TV network to YouTube in a groundbreaking deal.
The Oscars have been an industry staple for nearly a century, first starting in 1929. In 1930, it was broadcast via radio, and began appearing on TV in the 50s.
Since 1976, the award ceremony has aired exclusively on ABC, featuring red carpet interviews, live performances, and fashion breakdowns… but now, it’s set for a major transition that’s shaking up the entertainment world.
Hollywood’s biggest night is leaving TV for YouTube
On December 17, news broke that the Academy Awards will be moving its broadcasts exclusively to YouTube starting in 2029. ABC’s final broadcast for the ceremony will take place in 2028 on the Oscars’ 100th anniversary.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, this deal with YouTube will last at least until 2033, and will be completely free for viewers around the globe.
YouTube will also live stream the red carpet pre-show, as well as behind-the-scenes content during the actual awards ceremony. It will also stream related ceremonies like the Governors Awards, the Student Academy Awards ceremony, and the Scientific and Technical Awards ceremony.
Unsplash.com: Mirko FabianThe Oscar Nominees Luncheon will also be aired on YouTube, as will interviews with Academy members and filmmakers, film education programs, and even podcasts.
That’s not all; Google is also helping to digitize certain exhibitions from The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, including 52 million items from the Academy Collection.
“The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry,” YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said in a statement. “Partnering with the Academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”
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Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor gave a joint statement on the matter, saying they are “thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming.”
The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.”
Unsplash.com: CardMapr.nlABC also chimed in, wishing the Awards well in their new journey on YouTube. “ABC has been the proud home to The Oscars for more than half a century. We look forward to the next three telecasts, including the show’s centennial celebration in 2028, and wish the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences continued success.”
Streaming has largely overtaken traditional TV viewership; in June 2025, studies from The Gauge showed that more people than ever were choosing to stream content online vs watching cable or other broadcasts.
It seems that the Oscars, one of the biggest events in the entertainment industry, has taken note of this change and is moving into the modern age with free streaming for everyone. Who knows if it’ll spawn more viral moments like the Will Smith slap, though.