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In a landmark shift for one of Hollywood’s most enduring traditions, YouTube has secured the rights to host the Academy Awards beginning in 2029. The announcement marks the first time in more than five decades that the Oscars will move away from traditional network television, ending a historic run on ABC that began in 1976. Disney’s current agreement with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences remains in place through 2028, after which YouTube will officially take over broadcasting duties.
YouTube’s first ceremony under the new deal will be the 101st Academy Awards, with the partnership running through 2033. According to the Academy, the agreement represents a broad and multifaceted collaboration that goes far beyond the annual Oscars telecast. Under the terms of the deal, YouTube will provide global access to the Oscars ceremony itself, red carpet coverage, behind the scenes content, and the Governors Ball. All of this content will be available for free to viewers worldwide, significantly expanding the reach of the event.
In addition to the main ceremony, YouTube will also host several key Academy events throughout the year. These include the Governors Awards, the Oscars nominations announcement, the Oscars Nominees Luncheon, the Student Academy Awards, and the Scientific and Technical Awards. The partnership also covers Academy member and filmmaker interviews, film education programs, and official podcasts, creating a year round presence for Academy programming on the platform.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan described the Oscars as an essential cultural institution that celebrates excellence in storytelling and artistry. He said the partnership would allow YouTube to bring this celebration to audiences around the world while inspiring a new generation of creators and film lovers, all while respecting the Oscars’ long standing legacy.
While the move initially appears to be a major loss for ABC, industry insiders suggest that the transition may come as a relief for the network. Deadline reports that the financial terms sought by the Academy and the amount YouTube was willing to pay did not align with Disney’s current strategy. Despite efforts to modernize the broadcast, ABC has faced challenges as Oscar winning films increasingly appeal to more niche audiences rather than mass viewership.
An ABC Entertainment spokesperson acknowledged the end of an era, stating that the network has been proud to host the Oscars for more than fifty years. The statement emphasized ABC’s commitment to the remaining three broadcasts, including the centennial celebration in 2028, and wished the Academy continued success in its future endeavors.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, highlighting the Academy’s international reach and the benefits of YouTube’s massive global audience. They noted that the collaboration would expand access to the Academy’s work, support filmmakers, and celebrate cinema on an unprecedented worldwide scale while honoring the institution’s legacy.
The move also reflects a broader shift in the entertainment industry as streaming platforms increasingly take on high profile live events. Netflix’s recent acquisition of the SAG Awards, now rebranded as The Actors Awards starting in 2026, underscores how digital platforms are reshaping the future of major award shows.
With YouTube stepping in as the new home of the Oscars, the Academy is signaling a clear commitment to accessibility, global reach, and evolving viewer habits, setting the stage for a new chapter in the history of film’s most prestigious night.
