Big changes are coming! The Oscars will leave regular TV behind and, starting in 2029, the entire show will stream only on YouTube. This move shows just how much people are watching online these days.
On Wednesday, the Academy announced that YouTube signed a multi-year deal for exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033. After many years on ABC, the ceremony is making a big change.
This deal shows that digital platforms like YouTube and Netflix are now leading the way and changing how people watch entertainment.
ABC, owned by Disney, has broadcast the Oscars for decades and will keep doing so until 2028. The Academy recently offered the rights to new bidders, and many expected a tech company to get involved. YouTube ended up making the top offer, though the exact amount is unknown.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said, “The Oscars are a big deal, honoring great stories and art. Partnering with the Academy to show this event to viewers everywhere will get a younger crowd interested in movies while keeping the Oscars’ history alive.”
Mohan Mohan recognizes that Hollywood values tradition, but he also sees that audiences are spending more time on platforms like YouTube.enwriter Daniel Kunka joked on X that YouTube broadcasting the Oscars is like shaking hands with the guy who’s trying to kill you.”
But YouTube has been pushing filmmakers to try new things with tech, find new ways to get their movies out there, and even fund their own projects. The Oscars, though, are still mostly about movies that were in theaters, even though most people stream movies these days.
The 2025 Best Picture winner, *Anora*, is a good example. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, was shown in theaters, and later became available on Hulu.
ABC said they have been the home of The Oscars for more than fifty years. They also said they look forward to the next three shows, including the 2028 centennial celebration, and wish the Academy all the best.
So, Hollywood’s going to YouTube, which is a big change for an event known for sticking to tradition. By being where viewers are—online—the Academy is doing more than just keeping up; it’s bringing in a new audience and starting a new chapter for movies.
*Liam Reilly helped with this report.*
