Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a groundbreaking shift, the prestigious Academy Awards will cease broadcast on ABC and begin streaming on YouTube in 2029. This pivotal decision signals the end of a longstanding association between the Oscars and traditional television, ushering in a new era for global viewers to engage with the event online.

On Wednesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement. ABC will continue to air the Oscars until 2028, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the awards celebration. After that, YouTube will take over as the exclusive streaming platform for the Oscars from 2029 to 2033, granting global accessibility for viewers worldwide.

Significance of the Transition

This monumental change extends beyond merely changing channels; it symbolizes a transformative approach to how entertainment is consumed. Traditionally, the Oscars belong to the realm of conventional TV, and by opting for YouTube, the Academy is acknowledging the evolution in viewing habits.

With an extensive user base of over 2 billion, YouTube is especially popular among younger audiences who prefer it over conventional television. The transition to streaming allows viewers to watch on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart televisions, providing greater flexibility.

Details of the Streaming Agreement

Starting in 2029, YouTube won’t just host the Oscars ceremony but will also feature:

• Red carpet events

• The Governors Awards

• Oscar nominations announcement

• Various Academy programs throughout the year

YouTube will become a key hub for all activities related to the Oscars, not limited to the main event.

Commitment to Free Access

A key advantage for audiences is that the Oscars will be freely streamed on YouTube across the globe. Viewers with YouTube TV subscriptions will have additional access. The Academy has committed to providing multilingual audio and closed captioning options to ensure inclusivity.

Reactions from Academy Leadership

The Academy’s leadership, including CEO Bill Kramer and president Lynette Howell Taylor, expressed enthusiasm regarding this partnership, describing it as a multifaceted global collaboration aimed to maximize audience reach. They emphasized the international essence of the Academy and how this transition will connect the event with a broader audience.

YouTube’s CEO, Neal Mohan, referred to the Oscars as a pivotal cultural moment that celebrates storytelling and creativity. He believes the collaboration may inspire a fresh generation of movie enthusiasts while safeguarding the esteemed tradition of the awards.

ABC's Legacy

ABC has been the home of the Oscars for over half a century, having begun broadcasting the event in 1961. The network fondly reflects on its legacy as the Oscars' primary broadcaster, eagerly anticipating the remaining three ceremonies leading to the centennial celebration in 2028.

Changing Ratings Landscape

In recent times, the viewership for the Oscars has dwindled. The 2025 Oscars drew an audience of 19.7 million on ABC, a small uptick from the preceding year, but significantly lower than peaks in previous decades, such as the over 55 million viewers in 1999 when “Titanic” was awarded Best Picture.

Experts assert that the move toward streaming is a vital strategy to engage younger viewers and facilitate global access, potentially enabling the Oscars to expand their viewership.

Choosing YouTube Over Others

While the Academy considered contenders like Netflix and NBC's Peacock, YouTube stood out for its immense global footprint:

• It offers a substantial worldwide audience.

• It has established itself as a platform for sharing videos, trailers, and behind-the-scenes content.

• It resonates well with younger viewers.

Despite YouTube's relatively limited experience with live events, its extensive reach cannot be overstated. A report by Nielsen indicated that YouTube captured 12.9% of all TV and streaming viewership in the U.S., outpacing Netflix at 8.3%.

Future Implications for Award Shows

This initiative signifies the first instance in which one of the major awards—Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, or Tonys—has completely transitioned away from broadcast television. Although several award shows have offered hybrid streaming options, the Oscars will set a precedent with a full shift online.

This change has the potential to motivate other awards to consider a similar move, particularly if the Oscars succeed in attracting a larger audience through this format.

A New Era for a Historic Tradition

The Oscars, a pillar of Hollywood for nearly a century, recognize achievements in film, acting, and music. The ceremony has continually evolved, from black-and-white broadcasts to high-definition formats. Transitioning to YouTube represents another significant evolution in this rich legacy.

As the centennial event in 2028 looms, the Academy is gearing up for a future intensely focused on online engagement rather than conventional broadcast channels, reflecting technological advancements and shifting viewing preferences from traditional TV to online platforms.

What to Expect for Viewers

From 2029 onward, audiences can anticipate:

• Easier access to both live and recorded content

• Enhanced interactive features

• Global accessibility without the need for cable subscriptions

• Increased behind-the-scenes content

• Greater availability of language and caption options

This transition will also enable the Academy to develop content year-round, far exceeding the annual ceremony.

The decision to bring the Oscars to YouTube is a courageous leap, acknowledging the contemporary media landscape. Instead of relying on traditional TV audiences, the Academy aims to connect with viewers where they naturally consume content—online.

This shift promises to invigorate the Oscars, keeping the awards relevant in a digital-first world. By moving to YouTube, the Academy will allow more audiences around the globe to witness the ceremony free of charge, making the Oscars more accessible than ever before. Although the longstanding partnership with ABC is coming to an end, this transition heralds the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of the most renowned award ceremonies in history.

#Global News