YouTube has bought the Oscars ceremony and will air it for free.

The leading American film awards ceremony is undergoing a groundbreaking change by shifting its broadcast away from traditional TV to a digital platform.

The American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a historic decision: starting in 2029, the Oscars will be exclusively streamed on the YouTube platform. This move marks a significant departure from conventional television broadcasts and highlights the Academy’s commitment to evolving with the viewing preferences of a global audience.

This transition to a digital medium not only alters how viewers will watch the event but also signals a shift in the ceremony’s longstanding broadcast philosophy, which has been a staple of American television for decades.

Exclusive Partnership with YouTube

The Academy has entered into a multi-year deal granting YouTube exclusive worldwide streaming rights for the Oscars starting with the 101st ceremony in 2029 through 2033. As a result, ABC’s longstanding broadcast rights will expire in 2028 and will not be renewed, ending decades of traditional TV coverage.

Worldwide Free Streaming Access

From 2029 onward, audiences around the world will be able to watch the Oscars ceremony—including live awards, red carpet moments, behind-the-scenes footage, and the Governors Ball—streamed live for free on YouTube. In the U.S., the event will also be accessible via the YouTube TV subscription service.

Academy officials emphasize that this partnership aims to broaden the Oscars’ global reach and engage new international viewers. Enhanced accessibility is expected through multiple subtitle options and audio tracks in various languages, overcoming previous limitations imposed by traditional TV broadcasts.

Competitive Bidding and Selection Process

Industry insiders reveal that the Academy thoroughly explored new broadcast partners throughout 2025, considering major players like NBCUniversal and Netflix. Ultimately, YouTube’s offer won out due to its unparalleled global audience and greater flexibility in creative control over the ceremony’s format and production.

Greater Creative Freedom and Innovation

By moving to a platform free from rigid broadcast schedules, the Academy gains unprecedented freedom to determine the ceremony’s length, award categories, and performance segments without traditional TV constraints. Sources suggest that this full production autonomy was a key factor in choosing YouTube, resolving prior disputes with Disney and ABC concerning show duration, category selection, and hosts.

YouTube’s Production Responsibilities

Despite the opportunity, YouTube faces the challenge of developing a comprehensive production infrastructure for a major live global event within three years. This includes managing technical live streaming, coordinating red carpet appearances, backstage logistics, and post-event festivities.

Both the Academy and YouTube remain confident that the platform’s extensive experience with worldwide live broadcasts will enable a successful transition.

Traditional Broadcasts to Continue Until 2028

The shift will not be immediate. The upcoming 2026 Oscars, scheduled for March 15, 2026, along with ceremonies through 2028, will continue to air via traditional television networks. The full digital transition is planned for the end of the decade, marking one of the most transformative changes in the history of the Oscars.