After 50 Years on ABC, the Oscars Are Moving to YouTube in 2029 in a Historic Media Shift

The Oscars are officially logging off broadcast television and pressing play on YouTube, signaling a major shift in how Hollywood’s biggest night will reach the world.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, after more than five decades on ABC, the Academy Awards are preparing for a historic move to YouTube beginning in 2029, marking one of the most dramatic distribution changes in the show’s long-running history. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday that YouTube will become the exclusive global home of the Oscars through 2033, while ABC will continue airing the ceremony through its 100th show in 2028.

Starting with the 101st Oscars, the ceremony will stream live and free on YouTube to more than two billion users worldwide, with additional access for YouTube TV subscribers in the United States. The agreement extends far beyond the main telecast, bringing red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, nominations announcements, the Governors Awards, the Nominees Luncheon, Student Academy Awards, Scientific and Technical Awards, and original programming directly to the platform.

Neal Mohan, YouTube’s CEO, framed the move as a cultural evolution, saying, “The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry. 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.”

ABC, which has aired the show since 1976, acknowledged the transition in its own statement: “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.”

The Academy emphasized access and global reach as central to the decision. In a joint statement, CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor said the partnership will “expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible” while honoring the Oscars’ legacy.

As linear TV continues to lose ground and streaming platforms shape global moments, the Oscars moving to YouTube underscores how prestige television is being redefined in real time.