Oscars To Stream On YouTube From 2029

The Oscars will move from ABC to YouTube in 2029, marking a clear shift away from traditional television. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday that it has signed a multi-year agreement with YouTube, granting the platform exclusive global rights to the ceremony through 2033. The entire Oscars experience, including red carpet coverage, backstage moments, and the Governors Ball, will stream live and free on YouTube worldwide, with YouTube TV carrying the broadcast in the United States.

People familiar with the deal say YouTube’s global reach and features such as multi-language audio and subtitles were key factors in the decision. The move places the Oscars among a growing list of major live events choosing streaming platforms over linear TV, as organisers look to connect with younger and Gen Z audiences.

The Academy spent much of 2025 exploring new broadcast options after its long-running partnership with ABC. Both traditional broadcasters and newer players, including NBCUniversal and Netflix, were in the race. Industry insiders estimate YouTube’s winning bid crossed into nine-figure territory, beating high eight-figure offers from Disney/ABC and NBCUniversal. Disney had been paying close to $100 million a year under the previous deal, but declining viewership is said to have led the company to reassess the value of the broadcast.