The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, have announced a historic plan to transition from traditional live television broadcasting to YouTube streaming, marking one of the most significant shifts in the awards show’s nearly century-long history.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences officially confirmed the development on Wednesday, signalling a bold move aimed at adapting to changing global media consumption habits and expanding the ceremony’s reach to younger and more digitally engaged audiences.
According to the Academy, the transition will take effect beginning with the 101st Oscars ceremony in 2029 and will run through 2033 as part of a multi-year partnership. During this period, the Oscars will be streamed live and free on YouTube, ending more than five decades of exclusive television broadcast on ABC.
In a joint statement, Academy Chief Executive Officer Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor described the move as a strategic evolution for the iconic film awards.
“We are thrilled to enter a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming,” the statement said.
The Academy explained that the decision reflects broader industry trends, as audiences increasingly shift away from traditional television toward digital and on-demand platforms. With billions of users worldwide, YouTube offers unprecedented global accessibility, particularly in regions where cable television penetration is declining or prohibitively expensive.
For decades, the Oscars have been one of the most-watched annual television events in the world, serving as Hollywood’s most prestigious night celebrating excellence in filmmaking. However, in recent years, television viewership for the ceremony has fluctuated, prompting industry stakeholders to explore innovative ways to keep the awards relevant in an evolving media landscape.
By moving to YouTube, the Academy aims to attract younger viewers who consume content primarily on mobile devices and streaming platforms. The partnership also allows for greater interactivity, real-time global engagement, and expanded behind-the-scenes content, which are hallmarks of digital-first broadcasting.
Industry analysts say the move could redefine how major global events are distributed and monetised. Unlike traditional television, YouTube provides opportunities for live chats, instant highlights, multilingual streams, and personalised viewing experiences. This could make the Oscars more inclusive and accessible to audiences in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions historically underserved by traditional broadcast networks.
The announcement has already sparked widespread debate across the entertainment industry. While some critics worry that moving away from network television could dilute the ceremony’s prestige, others argue that the shift is long overdue and necessary to ensure the Oscars’ long-term relevance.
Supporters of the move point to the success of other major events that have embraced digital platforms to reach global audiences. They note that YouTube’s scale and technological infrastructure could help the Oscars reclaim cultural dominance, especially among younger demographics who rarely watch live television.
The Academy also emphasised that the YouTube partnership goes beyond the annual awards ceremony. According to the statement, the deal includes year-round Academy programming, opening the door to documentaries, filmmaker conversations, educational content, and archival materials being made available to global audiences throughout the year.
This expanded digital presence aligns with the Academy’s broader mission to promote the art and science of filmmaking worldwide. By leveraging YouTube’s global reach, the Academy hopes to spotlight diverse voices, international cinema, and emerging talent in ways that were previously limited by broadcast schedules and regional restrictions.
The end of the Oscars’ long-standing relationship with ABC marks the close of a significant chapter in television history. ABC has aired the ceremony for over 50 years, making it one of the longest-running broadcast partnerships in entertainment. The transition underscores how even the most established media institutions are being reshaped by digital disruption.
For YouTube, securing the Oscars represents a major milestone in its evolution from a user-generated content platform to a central hub for premium live events. The partnership positions YouTube as a serious competitor to traditional broadcasters in hosting globally significant cultural moments.
Media experts believe the move could influence other major awards shows and live events to reconsider their distribution strategies. If successful, the Oscars’ YouTube era may accelerate a broader shift away from exclusive television contracts toward hybrid or fully digital broadcast models.
As the countdown begins toward the 101st Academy Awards in 2029, all eyes will be on how the transition is executed. Questions remain about production quality, advertising models, regional accessibility, and how the Academy will balance tradition with innovation.
Nevertheless, the Academy remains confident that the move represents the future of global entertainment broadcasting. By embracing digital transformation, the Oscars aim to remain a unifying cultural event while adapting to the viewing habits of a new generation.
With this historic decision, the Academy Awards are once again positioning themselves at the forefront of change, proving that even Hollywood’s most revered traditions can evolve with the times.
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