In a landmark shift for global entertainment, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a historic change of home for its prestigious Oscars ceremony. After a long-standing partnership with the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), the Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on the digital video platform YouTube starting with its landmark 100th anniversary edition in 2029.
A Century-Old Legacy Embraces the Digital Age
The Oscars, regarded as the ultimate authority in global cinema for over nine decades, are adapting to modern viewing habits. This move signifies a decisive pivot from traditional television to a free, global digital stream, directly addressing years of declining linear TV viewership. The ceremony, which first aired on television in 1953, found a long-term home with ABC in 1976 after shifting between ABC and NBC in earlier decades. Notably, ABC was also responsible for the first colour telecast of the awards in 1966.
However, the 2029 edition will mark the end of this era. The decision underscores a strategic effort by the Academy to reach a broader, younger, and more international audience. The Oscars generated a reported $150 million in revenue in the last fiscal year, and its move to a free platform like YouTube aims to amplify its cultural and financial footprint exponentially.
More Than Just a Ceremony: A Digital Experience
The YouTube stream promises to be far more comprehensive than a simple broadcast. The Academy and YouTube plan to offer fans a multi-faceted, immersive experience. The platform will host not just the main ceremony but also a vast array of supplementary content. This is set to include:
- The glamorous red-carpet pre-show.
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the event.
- Coverage of the Governors Awards ceremony.
- Other related programming, offering a deeper, more personal look into the world of the Oscars.
This approach transforms the Oscars from a single-night event into an extended, accessible digital festival for billions of potential viewers worldwide.
Leadership and Vision Behind the Move
YouTube's Chief Executive Officer, Neal Mohan, hailed the partnership as a significant milestone for the platform. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Mohan emphasized the cultural importance of the Oscars, stating, "The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honouring excellence in storytelling and artistry. Partnering with the Academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy."
This partnership represents a major coup for YouTube in the high-stakes arena of live-event streaming. It positions the platform not just as a host for user-generated content but as a premier destination for flagship global cultural events. For the Academy, it is a bold step to future-proof the Oscars, ensuring its relevance and accessibility for its second century. The world will be watching in 2029 to see how this digital transformation reshapes the most coveted night in Hollywood.
