Oscars to Stream Globally on YouTube Starting 2029 in Historic Broadcast Shift

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has made a groundbreaking announcement. The Oscars ceremony is moving its primary broadcast home to YouTube. This historic shift will begin with the 2029 awards show.

This ends a decades-long television partnership. The move is designed to reach a massive global audience directly. According to the Associated Press, the Academy shared the news on social media this week.

Free Global Access Replaces Traditional TV Deal

From 2029, the Oscars will be free to watch worldwide on YouTube. The live stream will include the full main ceremony. It will also feature red carpet coverage and behind-the-scenes content.

The current deal with ABC and Disney+ will continue until 2028. That covers the landmark 100th Oscars ceremony. After that, YouTube and Google take over as the exclusive global partners.

Officials say this provides unprecedented access. The Academy’s statement highlights YouTube’s reach to over two billion users. Features like multi-language audio tracks and closed captioning will be key.

A Strategic Play for the Next Generation of Fans

Academy leadership calls this a multifaceted global partnership. CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor released a joint statement. They said YouTube will help celebrate cinema on an unprecedented scale.

The goal is to inspire new generations of filmmakers and fans. This shift acknowledges changing media consumption habits. Younger audiences increasingly favor digital platforms over traditional linear TV.

For the film industry, it represents a major evolution. The most prestigious night in movies is adapting for the digital age. The global film community will be watching this transition closely.

This move to YouTube streaming marks the Oscars’ biggest broadcast change in history. It strategically positions the ceremony for a global, digital-first future. The world’s most famous awards show is betting big on the power of an online audience.

Thought you’d like to know

Will the Oscars still be on TV in 2029?

No. Starting in 2029, the Oscars will no longer air on traditional television networks like ABC. The primary and exclusive home for the live ceremony will be YouTube.

Do I need to pay to watch the Oscars on YouTube?

No. The Academy has stated the YouTube stream will be free globally. YouTube TV subscribers in the United States will also have access through their service.

What will happen to the current Oscars broadcast?

The existing deal with ABC and Disney platforms continues through 2028. This includes the 100th Oscars. The switch to YouTube happens for the 2029 ceremony and beyond.

Why is the Academy making this change?

Officials cite the desire for a larger global audience. YouTube’s reach of over two billion users allows for greater accessibility and features like multi-language support.

Will red carpet coverage still be available?

Yes. The official Academy statement confirms the free YouTube stream will include the red carpet pre-show, the main ceremony, and behind-the-scenes content.