Starting in 2029, the annual Academy Awards will move from ABC’s broadcast network to live streaming on YouTube worldwide, organisers announced on Wednesday.

For nearly five decades, Walt Disney-owned ABC has been the home of the Oscars, celebrating the film industry’s highest honours since 1976.

While television ratings for the show have declined in recent years as audiences migrate to streaming platforms, the Oscars continue to capture hearts globally, inspiring filmmakers and movie lovers alike.

The 2025 ceremony attracted 19.7 million viewers in the United States a five-year high, though far below its peak of 57 million in 1998.

This year, the show also streamed live on Hulu, signalling a shift toward digital accessibility.

The new partnership with YouTube will include closed captioning and multilingual audio tracks, ensuring the Oscars are accessible to audiences around the world.

YouTube’s global reach will allow people everywhere to celebrate cinema, learn from film history, and be inspired by storytelling and artistry.

Academy events beyond the main ceremony, including the Governors Awards and the Oscar nominees luncheon, will also be streamed, bringing traditionally off-camera moments to a wider audience.

“This is an opportunity to share the magic of film with the world, connecting generations through creativity and storytelling,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor.

ABC will continue to broadcast the Oscars in the United States for 2026, 2027, and 2028, with the centennial ceremony in 2028 marking 100 years of celebrating cinematic achievement.