The Academy Awards have announced a historic shift in their broadcasting strategy after 76 years.
For the first time, Hollywood’s biggest night will move away from traditional television. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has signed an exclusive global streaming deal with YouTube.
Under the agreement, YouTube will become the official home of the Oscars starting with the 101st ceremony in 2029. The deal will remain in effect through 2033. As part of the partnership, YouTube will stream the entire Oscars experience. This includes red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and the annual Governors Ball.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor welcomed the move in a joint statement. They said the partnership reflects the Academy’s global mission and its commitment to expanding access to cinema.
Starting in 2029, the Oscars® will stream exclusively on YouTube for free globally and on @YouTubeTV in the U.S.
Experience red carpet coverage, BTS content & Governors Ball access. Plus, @googlearts will digitize @TheAcademy's collection.
Learn more →… https://t.co/Pui793C1jW
— Updates From YouTube (@UpdatesFromYT) December 17, 2025“The Academy is an international organisation,” the statement said. “This partnership allows us to reach the largest worldwide audience possible and better serve our members and the film community.”
They added that the collaboration will combine YouTube’s global reach with new ways to engage audiences while preserving the Oscars’ legacy. The Academy also said the deal will help celebrate cinema, inspire future filmmakers, and make film history more accessible worldwide.
YouTube has won the rights to host the Oscars starting in 2029
• Deal runs through 2033
• Event will air for free on the platform
• Coverage includes Red Carpet & Governors Ball
It'll be the first time since 1976 that ABC hasn't hosted the Academy Awards pic.twitter.com/mpK2dSsPTM
— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) December 17, 2025YouTube CEO Neal Mohan praised the agreement, calling it an opportunity to connect a new generation of creators and film fans with the Oscars while respecting its storied tradition.
Despite the upcoming shift, the Academy will continue its long-running partnership with ABC in the near term. The 98th Academy Awards will air on ABC on March 15, 2026. Conan O’Brien will return as host, with nominations set to be announced on January 22.
ABC will continue broadcasting the Oscars through the 100th ceremony in 2028, marking the end of one of television’s longest-running partnerships.
