Academy Sets Dates for Final Two Oscar Ceremonies on ABC Before Historic Move to YouTube
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the dates for its final two award shows to be broadcast on the ABC network. In a significant development for the entertainment industry, the 99th and 100th Academy Awards ceremonies will air on ABC before the iconic event transitions to a global YouTube broadcast starting in 2029.
Save the Dates: 99th and 100th Oscars Schedule
Through an official social media post, the Academy issued a Save The Date invitation with a caption that declared, "Mark your calendars! The 99th Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 14, 2027. Nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 21, 2027." This announcement confirms the timeline for filmmakers and Oscar hopefuls, setting the stage for two landmark ceremonies.
According to industry reports, these will be the last ceremonies broadcast on ABC, ending a long-standing partnership with the network. Both shows are scheduled to be held at the renowned Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, maintaining tradition before a major venue change.
Key Dates and Eligibility Period for Oscar Hopefuls
In addition to the ceremony dates, the Academy released a comprehensive list of key dates essential for participants. Filmmakers and artists must note the following timeline:
- Eligibility period begins - Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Oscars Shortlists Announcement - Tuesday, December 15, 2026
- Eligibility period ends - Thursday, December 31, 2026
- Oscars Nominations Announcement - Thursday, January 21, 2027
- 99th Oscars Ceremony - Sunday, March 14, 2027
The grand 100th Oscars ceremony is set for Sunday, March 5, 2028, as per the official announcement. However, organizers have cautioned that all dates for the 99th and 100th Academy Awards are subject to change, reflecting potential adjustments in planning.
Reports indicate that ABC and the film academy will continue to air the show at its traditional time slot of 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific, ensuring consistency for viewers during these final broadcasts.
Historic Venue Shift and YouTube Partnership
Starting with the 101st Oscars in 2029, the ceremony will undergo a significant transformation. It will move from the Dolby Theatre to The Peacock Theater, located within the expansive LA LIVE complex adjacent to the Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor stated, "For the 101st Oscars and beyond, the Academy looks forward to closely collaborating with AEG to make LA LIVE the perfect backdrop for our global celebration of cinema, both for our live in-theater audience and for film fans around the world." This move is part of a 10-year deal with AEG, coinciding with the ceremony's departure from network television in the United States.
The transition marks the end of a decades-long run at the Dolby Theatre, which is situated near the Roosevelt Hotel where the first Oscars were awarded in 1929. This historic shift underscores the Academy's adaptation to modern media landscapes.
Recent Viewership Trends and Industry Context
The announcement comes amid evolving viewership patterns. The 98th Oscars last month experienced a 9% dip in ratings after several years of gains. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the event saw 'One Battle After Another' win Best Picture and Best Director, Michael B. Jordan secure Best Actor for 'Sinners', and Jessie Buckley earn Best Actress for 'Hamnet'.
This context highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the Academy as it prepares for its digital future with YouTube, aiming to reach a broader global audience while navigating changing entertainment consumption habits.
