(C) Deadline

The Academy Awards, the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, is preparing for its most significant broadcast shift in history. After decades of being a staple of linear television, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) officially announced that the Oscars will transition from ABC to YouTube starting in 2029.

While major ceremonies like the Grammys and Emmys have flirted with streaming partnerships, this marks the first time a "Big Four" award show has completely abandoned traditional broadcast television. ABC will maintain its rights through 2028, allowing the network to host the historic 100th anniversary of the Oscars. However, from 2029 to 2033, YouTube will hold exclusive global streaming rights.

This partnership covers the entire Oscar ecosystem, including the red carpet, the Governors Awards, and the nominations announcement. Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy, stated, "YouTube is the perfect home to bring the Oscars to a global audience. This ensures our celebration of film reaches the maximum number of viewers across all borders."

The move is seen as a strategic response to changing viewer habits. While the 2024 ceremony saw a slight uptick to 19.7 million viewers, the numbers remain far below the 40-million-plus audiences of the late 90s. By offering the stream for free on YouTube with multi-language subtitles and audio tracks, the Academy aims to capture a younger, digitally-native demographic.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan highlighted the cultural significance, stating that the platform will preserve the "storied tradition" of the Oscars while inspiring a new generation of creators. For Google, this is a massive win, securing one of the few remaining "mega-events" that still commands massive live viewership outside of professional sports.

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