Oscars to Stream Free Worldwide on YouTube From 2029

The Academy Awards will undergo a historic shift in how audiences watch Hollywood’s biggest night. From 2029 onwards, the Oscars will stream exclusively and free worldwide on YouTube, marking the end of the ceremony’s decades-long broadcast partnership with ABC.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has signed a multi-year agreement granting YouTube exclusive global streaming rights to the Oscars from 2029 to 2033. ABC will continue to air the awards through 2028, including the Oscars’ centennial ceremony, before the transition takes effect.

Under the new deal, YouTube will stream the full awards ceremony live, along with red carpet coverage and behind-the-scenes content, making the Oscars accessible to a global audience without paywalls.

A Major Shift for the Film Industry

The move highlights YouTube’s growing influence as a global entertainment platform and reflects broader changes in how audiences consume live events. With traditional television viewership declining, the Academy aims to reach a wider and younger international audience through digital-first distribution.

According to the Academy, the partnership will expand accessibility through features such as closed captioning and multiple audio-language options, catering to viewers worldwide.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor described the agreement as a defining moment, noting that it aligns with the Academy’s international outlook and commitment to expanding global engagement. They said the collaboration would honour the Oscars’ legacy while creating new opportunities for audience interaction.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan echoed the sentiment, calling the Oscars a vital cultural institution and stating that the partnership would introduce the celebration of cinema to a new generation of creators and film enthusiasts around the world.

Mixed Reactions and Open Questions

The decision has drawn mixed reactions within the industry. Some observers likened the shift to earlier media disruptions, such as Fox acquiring NFL broadcast rights in the 1990s. Others expressed concern about the growing dominance of digital platforms over traditional media.

Screenwriter Daniel Kunka commented critically on the move, likening it to traditional media embracing a platform that has disrupted established entertainment models.

ABC, which has broadcast the Oscars for more than 50 years, acknowledged the transition in a statement, expressing pride in its long association with the ceremony and looking ahead to the final three telecasts, including the centennial event in 2028.

What Comes Next

The move to YouTube comes amid declining Oscars ratings on linear television. While some industry insiders view the shift as an opportunity for innovation in format and presentation, several aspects remain unclear. Questions persist over advertising models, international distribution arrangements and how viewership will be measured on a platform where audience behaviour differs significantly from traditional TV.

As the Oscars prepare for a digital-first future, the transition signals a broader transformation in how major cultural events may be experienced in the years ahead.