YouTube to Exclusively Stream the Oscars Starting in 2029

YouTube has secured exclusive rights to stream the Oscars starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday. The Google-owned platform outbid other contenders, including the Oscars' long-time broadcaster, ABC, ending the network's decades-long streak of hosting the prestigious awards show since 1961 (except for a brief period in the early 1970s).

The deal will see YouTube stream the 101st Oscars in 2029, and the agreement will run through 2033. ABC will continue to air the ceremony until 2028.

The financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but the move signifies a major shift in one of television's most significant events. It highlights YouTube's increasing role in the television space and the growing trend of streaming services expanding live event coverage. The Oscars ceremony will be available to over 2 billion viewers globally on YouTube, with YouTube TV subscribers in the U.S. also able to access it. This transition comes as the Oscars' viewership has steadily declined from a peak of 55 million in 1998 to around 20 million in recent years, prompting the Academy to explore new ways to reach audiences.

"We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming," said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor in a joint statement. "The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community."

In addition to streaming the main event, YouTube will provide extensive coverage, including red-carpet events, behind-the-scenes footage, the Oscar nominations announcement, interviews with Academy members and filmmakers, Governors Ball access, film education programs, podcasts, and more.

"The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry," said YouTube CEO Neal Mohan. "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."

While Netflix has previously acquired rights to the SAG Awards, this marks the first time one of the major four awards shows (Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys) will entirely shift from broadcast TV to a streaming platform.