Hollywood's most prestigious night is ditching traditional TV in a seismic shift that could redefine how we experience awards shows forever.
Starting next year, the Oscars ceremony, red carpet glamour, behind-the-scenes moments, and exclusive Governors Ball coverage will stream live and free worldwide on YouTube for four years. U.S. viewers with YouTube TV subscriptions get premium access. This isn't just a platform change—it's a global accessibility revolution, featuring closed captioning and multi-language audio to connect with the Academy's exploding international fanbase.
The move severs a half-century partnership with ABC, which began in 1976 and was set to run through 2028, including the historic 100th ceremony. More strikingly, it breaks a 76-year tradition: since NBC first aired the Oscars in 1953, this marks the first time the event won't be on broadcast television.
ABC has remained silent since the bombshell announcement to TheEntBase, fueling speculation about the network's next steps in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Conan O'Brien, who hosted the 2025 Oscars and will return in 2026, now faces a digital-first audience. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty
In a groundbreaking joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor called the YouTube partnership a "transformative leap," praising the platform's global reach and potential for interactive, innovative engagement while honoring the Oscars' storied legacy. They envision this move as a way to celebrate cinema, ignite future filmmakers, and democratize access to film history on an unprecedented scale.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan echoed the excitement, declaring the Oscars a "cornerstone of cultural conversation" and promising that this collaboration will bring the celebration to billions worldwide, sparking creativity, deepening film appreciation, and reimagining tradition for the digital age.
