The move signals a major shift away from traditional television toward digital-first distribution.
The Academy Awards are set to stream exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029, marking a significant change in how one of Hollywood’s most-watched events will be distributed, according to official announcements.
The Oscars are set to stream exclusively on YouTube beginning in 2029, according to announcements associated with a new long-term distribution strategy. The change represents a major departure from decades of traditional television broadcasting for the Academy Awards.
Organizers said the move reflects changing viewer habits, particularly among younger audiences who increasingly consume live events through digital platforms rather than cable or broadcast television.
YouTube, which already hosts live streams for major sports, music, and cultural events, would become the sole platform for watching the Oscars under the new arrangement. Details regarding regional availability, advertising, and access tiers have not yet been fully disclosed.
Industry analysts say the decision underscores the growing influence of tech platforms in live entertainment and awards programming. Traditional broadcasters have faced declining viewership for award shows in recent years.
The Academy has not yet released specific technical or production details for the YouTube-exclusive broadcasts. Officials emphasized that the transition will not take effect until 2029, leaving several ceremonies to air under existing agreements.
The announcement adds to broader industry trends in which major events migrate to streaming-first platforms, reshaping how global audiences experience live cultural moments.
