YouTube has bought the Oscars ceremony and will air it for free.
The foremost US film awards event is undergoing a groundbreaking transformation by shifting its broadcast away from traditional TV.
The American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a historic change: beginning in 2029, the Oscars ceremony will be streamed exclusively on the YouTube platform. This landmark agreement marks a clear departure from conventional television broadcasts and highlights the Academy’s commitment to evolving alongside the viewing preferences of a global audience.
This digital transition not only alters how audiences watch the event but also redefines the ceremony’s long-standing role as a major fixture of American television.
Exclusive YouTube Broadcasting Deal
The Academy has entered into a multi-year contract granting YouTube exclusive worldwide rights to air the Oscars. Starting with the 101st ceremony in 2029, this partnership will extend through 2033, effectively ending ABC’s decades-long tenure as the ceremony’s broadcaster after 2028.
This shift represents the first time in many years that the Oscars will break away from traditional television networks entirely.
Global Free Access for Viewers
From 2029 onward, audiences around the world will be able to watch the Oscars live—including the main ceremony, red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes footage, and the renowned Governors Ball—completely free via YouTube’s live streaming service.
In the US, the event will also be accessible to YouTube TV subscribers. The Academy emphasizes that the primary aim of this move is to broaden the Oscars’ international reach by offering subtitles and multiple audio tracks, overcoming the language limitations typically imposed by traditional TV broadcasts.
Competitive Bidding and Final Selection
Industry insiders reveal that the Academy actively pursued a new broadcast partner throughout 2025. Top contenders included major media giants like NBCUniversal and Netflix.
Ultimately, YouTube secured the rights thanks to its unparalleled global audience and more flexible terms concerning creative control and production management.
Greater Creative Freedom and Flexibility
Transitioning to a digital platform free from strict broadcast schedules unlocks exciting new possibilities for the ceremony. The Academy can now independently set the event’s length, adjust award categories, and experiment with performance formats without facing traditional TV constraints.
Sources suggest that having full production autonomy was a key factor in choosing YouTube, resolving longstanding disputes with Disney and ABC over show duration, category selection, and host choices.
Production Demands Ahead for YouTube
However, YouTube faces the significant task of establishing a comprehensive production setup for delivering a world-class live event within three years. This includes managing not only the technical streaming aspects but also orchestrating red carpet coverage, backstage coordination, and post-ceremony festivities.
Despite these challenges, both the Academy and YouTube express confidence that the platform’s extensive experience with global live events will ensure a successful execution.
Traditional Broadcasts to Continue Until 2028
The shift to the new digital format will not be immediate. The 2026 Oscars, scheduled for March 15, 2026, along with ceremonies up to 2028, will continue to be broadcast via traditional television networks.
The full digital transition is planned for the decade’s end, marking this decision as one of the most significant milestones in the Oscars’ storied history.
