Starting in 2029, the iconic Academy Awards will leave behind conventional television in favor of YouTube, signaling a monumental shift from decades spent on ABC. This innovative multi-year partnership aims to engage a worldwide, digitally-centric audience, acknowledging the evolution of viewing preferences.
The Academy Awards will leave traditional television behind from 2029, after organisers confirmed a move to stream the Oscars live on YouTube, ending a decades-long relationship with US broadcaster ABC.The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that YouTube will become the new global home of the Oscars under a multi-year deal that runs from 2029 through 2033. The decision marks the first time the ceremony will be primarily distributed via a digital platform rather than a broadcast television network.Academy leaders said the shift reflects how audiences now consume major cultural events. In a joint statement, Academy chief executive Bill Kramer and president Lynette Howell Taylor said the partnership would allow the Oscars to “meet global audiences where they already are” while expanding the show’s reach beyond traditional television viewers.The Oscars have aired on ABC since 1976 and have struggled in recent years with declining ratings, particularly among younger viewers. Viewership has stabilised somewhat since the pandemic era, but the ceremony has faced growing pressure to modernise as streaming platforms reshape the entertainment industry.Under the new agreement, YouTube will stream the ceremony live worldwide at no cost, with additional features expected to include behind-the-scenes access, creator-led coverage and expanded international distribution. Industry insiders say the deal could also open new advertising and sponsorship models tailored to digital audiences.ABC will continue to broadcast the Oscars through 2028, meaning the upcoming ceremonies will remain on network television for the rest of the decade.The decision places the Oscars among a growing list of major live events turning to streaming-first platforms. Sports leagues, awards shows and political debates have also shifted to more digital platforms like YouTube, Twitch, etc to capture more younger and Gen Z audiences.
