Oscars To End TV Broadcast and Begin Exclusive YouTube Streaming

In a groundbreaking shift for global entertainment, the annual Academy Awards — widely known as the Oscars — has declared an end to its decades‑long run on traditional television and revealed plans to exclusively stream the ceremony on YouTube.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences officially disclosed this major development in a public announcement on Wednesday. Under the new agreement, YouTube will serve as the sole live streaming platform for the Oscars beginning with the 101st edition in 2029 and continuing through 2033.

This historic transition reflects a broader transformation in how audiences worldwide consume high‑profile events, as streaming platforms surpass traditional broadcast models in popularity and global reach. The decision concludes more than five decades of television broadcasts, during which the ceremony was predominantly televised by ABC.

What the New YouTube Streaming Deal Includes

Under the multi‑year partnership with YouTube — owned by Google — viewers everywhere will be able to watch the Oscars live and free on the platform. The agreement covers not only the main awards show but also the red‑carpet coverage, behind‑the‑scenes extras, Governors Ball access, and nominations announcements — giving global audiences far more immersive access to the event than traditional TV broadcasts offered.

Academy leaders, including CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor, emphasized in their statement that the partnership with YouTube is intended to “expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible.” euronews Meanwhile, YouTube’s leadership expressed excitement about bringing one of cinema’s most revered cultural institutions to its massive global user base, which surpasses two billion people.

Why This Matters for Viewers and the Industry

This move signals a significant evolution in live event viewing — as streaming platforms like YouTube increasingly become preferred destinations for major international broadcasts. YouTube’s global footprint, accessibility on mobile and desktop devices, and free streaming model are expected to attract larger, more diverse audiences than the conventional television format.

ABC will continue to televise the Oscars through the 100th annual ceremony in 2028, giving long‑time viewers ample time to adjust before the transition to YouTube takes effect.

As streaming reshapes media consumption habits worldwide, this decision by the Academy underscores the growing influence of digital platforms in delivering cultural milestones to global communities.