YouTube Will Take Over the Oscars Starting in 2029

The Oscars are officially changing channels, as YouTube has secured the television rights to host The Academy Awards beginning in 2029, marking a major shift for one of Hollywood’s most iconic events.

The Google-owned platform beat out multiple competitors, including longtime broadcast partner ABC. Disney’s current deal with the Academy runs through 2028, making the 2029 ceremony the first under YouTube’s banner.

That debut will be a big one. YouTube’s first broadcast will be the 101st ceremony, and the agreement locks the platform in as the home of the Oscars through 2033. After more than five decades on ABC, this signals a serious evolution in how the awards show reaches audiences around the world.

This is pretty crazy. I wouldn’t have guessed YouTube would be the place the Oscars landed, but I guess the move makes a lot of sense when you think about reach, global access, and how younger audiences actually watch content now.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan talked about the partnership being both a responsibility and an opportunity, saying, “The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring 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.”

From the Academy’s side, the focus is clearly on scale and accessibility. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor emphasized how transformative this partnership could be for the organization and the film community as a whole.

“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. The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.

“This collaboration will leverage YouTube’s vast reach and infuse the Oscars and other Academy programming with innovative opportunities for engagement while honoring our legacy. We will be able to celebrate cinema, inspire new generations of filmmakers and provide access to our film history on an unprecedented global scale.”

This deal isn’t just about one night a year. YouTube will also serve as a hub for year-round Academy programming, opening the door for deeper dives into film history, expanded international access, and new ways for fans to engage beyond the ceremony itself.

Starting in 2029, the Oscars won’t just be a TV event. They’ll be a global streaming moment. Whether that ends up redefining awards season or simply meeting audiences where they already are, one thing’s for sure. Hollywood’s biggest night is stepping into a very different spotlight.