As viewers eagerly anticipate the 2029 Academy Awards, one thing is certain – the traditional viewing experience is set to change drastically. The Oscars, long a staple on ABC, will be moving to a new and unexpected platform – YouTube. This surprising announcement came from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on December 17, revealing a multi-year deal that grants YouTube exclusive global rights from 2029 to 2033.
The shift to YouTube will not only change where audiences watch the awards show, but also what they have access to. Viewers from all over the world will now be able to enjoy behind-the-scenes footage, red carpet highlights, the Governors Ball, and more. Additionally, other Academy events such as the Governors Awards, Oscars Nominations Announcement, Oscars Nominees Luncheon, and more will also be available on the platform.
Film enthusiasts will be excited to hear that the Google Arts & Culture initiative will be working on providing digital access to portions of the Academy Museum and Academy Collection. This partnership signifies a new era for the Oscars and Academy programming, offering innovative opportunities and a global reach to celebrate cinema, inspire new generations of filmmakers, and provide unprecedented access to film history.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration with YouTube, emphasizing the platform’s vast reach and the innovative opportunities it presents. This new partnership marks a significant change after more than 50 years of the Oscars being broadcast on ABC.
While the shift to YouTube is on the horizon, fans can still catch the Academy Awards on ABC until 2029. The next edition, hosted by Conan O’Brien, is scheduled for March 15, 2026, with official nominations set to be announced on January 22, 2026.
The move to YouTube represents a new chapter for one of the most prestigious awards shows in the industry, opening up possibilities for a more expansive and accessible viewing experience for audiences around the world.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.