We know that change has to come, but there are certain things that we don’t expect to change. One of those was the broadcast home of the Oscars, and yet, it’s happening.
Since 1976, ABC has aired the Oscars ceremony. Even when the pandemic messed everything around, ABC retained the rights, and they all did what they could. And now, things are changing, as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided to give the broadcast rights to an unexpected rival!
The Oscars will air on a streaming platform beginning in 2029
One thing we didn’t expect to see was the Oscars to move away from broadcast TV. This is a huge event — being the world’s most-watched awards telecast — and it doesn’t make sense that any of the broadcast networks would want to give it up. However, The Hollywood Reporter shares that the Oscars is on the move to YouTube.
Yes, YouTube!
This will happen in 2029, which is where the 53 years comes from. By the point the ceremony moves to the streaming platform, it will have aired on ABC for 53 years. The deal will last until at least 2033.
There is some good news for ABC, as it will end its run with a monumental airing, the 100th edition of the awards in 2028. At least, ABC gets to go out on a high.
This may not be a bad thing for Disney. It turns out that the Oscars were an expensive asset, and the linear ratings weren’t what they used to be just a decade ago. People have changed the way they watch, and Disney wasn’t willing to overpay for the Academy Awards. YouTube could benefit more from the global views, as Disney was limited to just the United States, but whether it is worth the money remains to be seen.
The Oscars will be free for all to view
There is some exciting news for the fans of the Oscars around the world. The awards ceremony will be available to stream on YouTube around the world. It will all be cast live on the internet, including the red-carpet event in the lead-up to the actual show. Those in the United States will be able to watch it on YouTube TV, as well.
It’s not just about the ceremony and the red carpet pre-show, though. YouTube will also get the Oscar nominations announcement, behind-the-scenes in-show content, the Governors Awards cast, and so much more.
When you look at the full deal that is happening between the Academy and Google, you’ll understand why this move was made. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will also gain support from the Google Arts & Culture Initiative. This will help to bring digital access to select programs and exhibitions, along with the digitization of more than 52 million items within the Academy Collection.
The 2026 Academy Awards will air on Sunday, March 15 at 7 p.m. ET on ABC.