The Oscars will make a historic shift from traditional broadcast television to streaming, with YouTube set to host the Academy Awards beginning in 2029. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that YouTube has signed a multi-year agreement granting it exclusive global rights to stream the Oscars. The deal will run through 2033 and marks a major turning point for the entertainment industry as it continues to move away from legacy television toward digital platforms. ABC, owned by Disney, has aired the Oscars for decades and will continue broadcasting the ceremony through 2028. In recent weeks, the Academy had been shopping the rights to future telecasts, fueling speculation that a major technology company would emerge as the new home of the awards. YouTube ultimately outbid ABC and other potential partners, though financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. YouTube CEO, Neal Mohan described the Oscars as one of the worlds most important cultural institutions, saying the partnership would help inspire a new generation of creators and film lovers while respecting the ceremonys long-standing legacy. The move highlights the growing influence of streaming platforms such as YouTube and Netflix, which have reshaped how audiences consume entertainment. In Hollywood, reactions have been mixed, with some creatives seeing the shift as a bold evolution and others viewing it as a symbolic break from tradition. Despite the industrys digital transformation, the Oscars continue to prioritize theatrical releases. Many award-winning films still debut at major festivals and in cinemas before eventually reaching streaming platforms. For example, the 2025 Best Picture winner premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, enjoyed a theatrical run, and later became available on streaming months afterward.ABC acknowledged the transition in a statement, noting its long history with the Oscars and expressing anticipation for the final three broadcasts, including the shows centennial celebration in 2028, while wishing the Academy continued success in the years ahead. The post Oscars to abandon broadcast tv for Youtube from 2029 appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.
0 Comments