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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a groundbreaking shift in how audiences will experience the Oscars: starting in 2029, the prestigious awards ceremony will be streamed exclusively on YouTube. This marks the first time in the event’s history that it will bypass traditional television broadcasts in favour of a digital platform, signalling a major transformation in Hollywood’s approach to reaching global audiences.
The announcement comes as the Academy confirmed the end of its long-standing partnership with US network ABC, which has aired the Oscars for decades. ABC will continue to broadcast the awards through the 100th Academy Awards in 2028, after which YouTube will take over as the sole home of the ceremony.
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed enthusiasm for the new collaboration. “We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming,” they said.
The annual Academy Awards celebrate the most outstanding achievements in film each year and are widely regarded as the most prestigious honors in the industry. The ceremony has historically drawn millions of viewers in the United States and internationally. On average, the broadcast attracts around 20 million US viewers, though numbers have fluctuated in recent years due to evolving viewing habits and competition from streaming services.
This move to an online-only format reflects broader shifts in the entertainment industry. Streaming platforms have dramatically altered how audiences consume content, especially among younger demographics, who increasingly prefer digital access over traditional television. Hollywood has historically been cautious about the impact of streaming on cinema and the prestige of theatrical releases, but the Academy’s decision demonstrates a recognition of the changing landscape and the need to adapt.
The most recent Oscars broadcast, which was simultaneously streamed on Disney-owned Hulu alongside ABC, drew 19.69 million viewers in the United States. Disney described it as the most-watched Oscars in five years, despite technical difficulties affecting Hulu users during the final award announcements. The figures suggest that streaming can complement traditional television, but the Academy appears confident that a fully digital format on YouTube will expand the ceremony’s reach even further.
Viewership for the Oscars has varied widely over the past decade. During the COVID-19 pandemic, numbers dropped to as low as 10.4 million viewers in the United States, a sharp decline from the more than 40 million viewers the awards attracted at their peak. This decline has posed challenges for the Academy, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining audience interest and relevance in a rapidly evolving media environment.
By partnering with YouTube, the Academy gains access to a global platform that reaches billions of users across hundreds of countries. The online format also allows for innovative approaches to engagement, including interactive features, behind-the-scenes content, and year-round programming that can attract a wider, more diverse audience.
The decision to move the Oscars online is likely to influence other high-profile awards shows, as the industry increasingly recognizes the power of digital platforms to reach audiences worldwide. Starting in 2029, viewers can expect to watch Hollywood’s biggest night entirely on YouTube, signalling a new era for the Academy Awards and the global film industry.
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