Oscars Ditch ABC for YouTube in 2029

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is planning a significant shift, moving the prestigious Oscars ceremony to YouTube beginning in 2029. AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer stated at the Zurich Film Festival Summit that this move is not a risk but a necessary step to reach a global audience of film lovers and artists.

Kramer elaborated that YouTube offers a superior platform for direct audience engagement compared to traditional broadcasting. The deal, which starts with the 101st Oscars, aims to capture a larger international viewership, as more people outside the U.S. already watch the ceremony. This move also aligns with the increasing trend of audiences migrating to online platforms.

The comprehensive partnership with YouTube will extend beyond the main awards show. It includes broadcasting the red carpet pre-show, behind-the-scenes content, nomination announcements, the Governors Awards, the Nominees Luncheon, and various other Academy events and educational programs. This multifaceted approach seeks to offer viewers more interactive and in-depth engagement with the Oscars.

While the current broadcast deal with Disney/ABC runs for two more years, the Academy is already in deep discussions with YouTube. This transition is anticipated to bring a "very different-looking Oscars" to audiences, offering new ways to interact with the show. The 2026 Oscars ceremony saw a decline in viewership, drawing 17.86 million viewers on ABC and Hulu, highlighting the evolving media landscape.