Oscars to Stream Live on YouTube Starting 2029, Ending Decades of TV Broadcast

The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are set to make a historic shift from traditional television to digital streaming, with plans to broadcast live on YouTube starting with the 101st edition in 2029. The announcement was made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday.

The Academy explained that the move is aimed at reaching new and broader global audiences, reflecting the changing patterns of media consumption and the growing dominance of digital platforms. The partnership with YouTube will cover the Oscars ceremonies from 2029 to 2033, with live streams available free of charge.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a joint statement, “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.” This marks the end of over five decades of ABC television coverage, signaling a major transformation in how audiences experience Hollywood’s biggest night.

Opinion: A Bold Step Into the Digital Era

The Oscars’ move to YouTube reflects a broader shift in entertainment, where digital accessibility is becoming key. By streaming the ceremony online, the Academy not only taps into a younger, tech-savvy audience but also ensures global reach without the limitations of traditional TV networks.

While some traditionalists may lament the loss of television broadcasts, this evolution could breathe new life into the Oscars, attracting viewers who might otherwise skip a long, broadcast-only event. It’s a bold step that positions Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony firmly in the digital age, bridging the gap between cinema, culture, and a generation that consumes media primarily online.

This could also inspire other major award shows to rethink their delivery methods, setting a new standard for global, free, and accessible live entertainment.