The Academy Awards will abandon traditional television broadcasts, shifting exclusively to YouTube live streaming from 2029 onward, ending a decades-long ABC partnership.
The multiyear agreement grants YouTube global rights to the Oscars, including red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, Governors Awards, nominations, and Student Academy Awards through 2033. Viewers worldwide can watch live and free on YouTube, with U.S. access via YouTube TV, creating a digital hub via Google Arts & Culture for Academy Museum exhibits and digitizing parts of its 52-million-item film archive.
Since 1976, ABC aired the Oscars, but declining ratings 19.7 million for 2025's Conan O’Brien-hosted show versus 40 million peaks prompt this pivot to streaming where audiences now consume clips and events. ABC's deal concludes after the 100th Oscars in 2028, marking the biggest awards shift as shows like Golden Globes (CBS/Paramount+) and SAG (Netflix) follow suit.
Academy leaders hail expanded global reach for members and filmmakers, while YouTube's CEO eyes inspiring new creators. This reflects streaming dominance, potentially boosting viewership beyond broadcast limits amid cultural relevance struggles.