After decades on ABC, the Oscars are moving to YouTube.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Dec. 17 that it has signed a multi-year deal with YouTube, giving the popular streaming platform the exclusive global rights to the Oscars, beginning with the 101st Academy Awards ceremony in 2029. The contract will run through 2033.
The deal, a massive shift in the storied awards show's viewing experience, will make available live, free coverage of the Oscars on YouTube, including red carpet and behind-the-scenes content as well as Governors Ball access.
"YouTube will help make the Oscars accessible to the Academy's growing global audience through features such as closed captioning and audio tracks available in multiple languages," the Academy wrote in a news release announcing the move.
The surprising move is the latest shift of awards shows to streaming services. Netflix began airing the Actor Awards (formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards) in 2024, and this year's 97th Academy Awards ceremony was the first to air live on Hulu alongside the ABC broadcast.
