A Historic Shift: The Oscars Head Online
For the first time in over 50 years, the Academy Awards will no longer be confined to traditional television. In a landmark announcement, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed a multiyear partnership with YouTube, granting the platform exclusive global rights to the Oscars from 2029 through 2033.
This move ends a decades-long relationship with ABC, which has broadcast the ceremony since 1976, and signals a bold pivot toward a digital-first audience.
Why YouTube? Reaching a New Generation of Film Lovers
Movie fans around the world can rejoice. By moving the Oscars to YouTube, the Academy is meeting viewers where they already spend much of their time online. With over 2 billion active users, YouTube offers unprecedented global reach, allowing film enthusiasts everywhere to experience Hollywood’s biggest night—live and free.
YouTube will also feature accessibility enhancements, including closed-captioning and multiple language audio tracks, making the ceremony inclusive for international audiences.
More Than Just the Awards Night
The YouTube partnership is more than a streaming deal—it’s an expansion of the Oscar experience year-round. Fans can expect:
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Live Red Carpet Coverage and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.
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Nominations Announcements and the Governors Ball.
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Interviews with filmmakers, actors, and Academy members.
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Special Ceremonies like the Student Academy Awards, Governors Awards, and Scientific & Technical Awards, now receiving a global spotlight.
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Educational Content, from film workshops and podcasts to digitized portions of the Academy’s film archive via Google Arts & Culture.
For students, aspiring filmmakers, and global audiences, this creates a new window into the craft, history, and artistry of cinema.
The Numbers Behind the Move
Declining TV viewership played a key role in the decision. The Oscars once drew tens of millions of viewers: Titanic’s sweep in 1998 attracted 55 million viewers. In contrast, the 2021 broadcast dipped to a low of 10.4 million, before bouncing back to 19.7 million in 2025.
The Academy’s leadership sees this partnership as a way to revive engagement while honoring the ceremony’s prestige.
“The Academy is an international organisation, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible,” said CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan added: “The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions. Bringing this celebration of storytelling and artistry to viewers globally will inspire a new generation of creativity while respecting the Oscars’ legacy.”
Looking Ahead: Tradition Meets Innovation
ABC will continue to air the Oscars through 2028, including the milestone 100th-anniversary ceremony, giving fans one last stretch of traditional broadcasts. After that, YouTube takes over, eliminating regional blackouts and expensive pay-TV restrictions.
Movie lovers worldwide will now have a front-row seat to Hollywood’s glamour, speeches, and surprises—without leaving their homes or paying a dime.
This historic shift is more than just a broadcast change—it’s a global cultural moment, ensuring the Oscars remain relevant in an era of streaming, social media, and worldwide connectivity.
Source: IOL
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