The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that the Oscars will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, following a multi-year deal that grants YouTube global rights to the event until 2033. This transition ends a 50-year partnership with ABC, which has broadcast the awards since 1976. The Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2029, and will be available live and free on the YouTube platform.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor stated that this partnership aims to broaden access to the Academy's work, potentially benefiting its members and the broader film community. Viewership for the Oscars has generally declined over the years, although there was a slight increase in 2025, particularly among younger audiences who accessed the show via mobile devices and computers.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan described the Oscars as a vital cultural institution and expressed hope that the collaboration would foster a new generation of creativity and film enthusiasts while honoring the awards' historical significance. ABC has indicated it looks forward to hosting the next three telecasts before the transition.

This announcement coincides with ongoing challenges in the entertainment industry, including significant production cuts and corporate mergers. Warner Bros Discovery recently advised its shareholders to reject a hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance in favor of a competing offer from Netflix, highlighting the competitive pressures faced by traditional media companies as audiences increasingly turn to streaming services.