In a landmark decision that will reshape the future of award shows, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a historic shift for the Oscars. The prestigious Academy Awards will end its long-standing broadcast partnership with ABC after the 2028 ceremony, which will be its 100th edition. Beginning in 2029, the Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube under a new global agreement.
A New Digital Home for Hollywood's Biggest Night
The new partnership grants YouTube the global rights to stream all Oscars content from 2029 through 2033. This is not just a change of platform but a complete digital transformation. YouTube will host the main awards ceremony, the red carpet events, the Governors Awards, and even the live announcement of the Oscar nominations. This move makes the Oscars the first among the "big four" awards shows—the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, and Tonys—to fully abandon traditional broadcast television.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership. They stated that this alliance with YouTube aligns with the Academy's international mission, promising to deliver its programming to the largest possible global audience. This expanded access, they believe, will benefit Academy members and the wider film community worldwide.
Free Global Access and YouTube's Massive Reach
For viewers, the most significant change will be in access. The Oscars ceremony will be streamed for free on YouTube, removing traditional paywall barriers. Subscribers to YouTube TV will gain additional features and access. The financial details of the multi-year deal were not made public.
This strategic move places one of television's most-watched non-sports events into the hands of Google's video giant, which boasts over 2 billion monthly logged-in users globally. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called the Oscars an "essential cultural institution" and highlighted that the partnership aims to inspire a new generation of film lovers while honoring the awards' legacy.
What This Means for the Future of Entertainment
The decision signals a definitive pivot in how major cultural events are distributed. It underscores the declining influence of linear television and the rising dominance of digital streaming platforms for live, tentpole events. For the Indian audience, this could mean more seamless and potentially more interactive access to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's biggest night, without reliance on a specific cable or satellite broadcaster.
The transition period begins now. ABC will continue its broadcast duties for the next four ceremonies, culminating in the centennial celebration in 2028. All eyes will then turn to YouTube in 2029, as it prepares to host a new, digitally-native chapter in the storied history of the Academy Awards.
