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Oscars Switch from HBO to YouTube in 2029, Embracing Global Streaming

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 11:57 GMT by Zee Business

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Oscars to Stream Live on YouTube Worldwide From 2029: A Landmark Shift in Award‑Show Broadcasting

In a move that is being hailed as “one of the biggest turning points in award‑show history,” the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced that beginning in 2029, the Oscars will be streamed live on YouTube for viewers around the world. The announcement, made at the Academy’s annual awards banquet, marks the end of a 52‑year partnership with HBO and signals a broader strategy to reach a younger, digitally‑native audience while keeping the ceremony’s reach as expansive as ever.

From HBO to YouTube: Why the Change?

HBO’s relationship with the Oscars began in 1974 and was considered a gold standard for televised awards. However, the cost of the rights, the changing viewing habits of the public, and the rise of streaming services have all been factors in the Academy’s decision to re‑evaluate the broadcast model. In an interview with the Academy’s press office, CEO David C. Thompson explained that “the Oscars have always been about showcasing the very best of filmmaking to the world. In today’s media environment, that means meeting our audience where they are—on digital platforms that can reach people in real time, across the globe.”

The decision was also influenced by an analysis of the Academy’s own viewership data. A recent report, cited in a companion article on Zeebiz (“Oscars’ TV Viewership Slumps, Streaming Booms”), showed that younger viewers (ages 18‑34) now account for more than 40 % of Oscar watchers, but many of them stream content on platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon Prime rather than through cable packages. The Academy’s move to YouTube is therefore a response to that demographic shift, ensuring that the ceremony remains culturally relevant.

The Deal in Detail

While the full contractual details are yet to be released, several key elements have emerged:

YouTube’s CEO, Neal Mohan, commented that the partnership would “democratize access to the Oscars” and “help bring a global audience together around the world to celebrate the art of film.” The Academy’s official announcement emphasized that the shift would not only preserve the ceremony’s prestige but also “increase the accessibility of film art for audiences worldwide.”

What This Means for Viewers

1. Free, Ad‑Supported Viewing
   Unlike the pay‑wall associated with HBO, the YouTube stream will be available to anyone with an internet connection. Users will encounter standard YouTube ads before and during the broadcast, similar to other major events on the platform.

2. Global Live Coverage
   In the past, international viewers had to rely on time‑shifted broadcasts or third‑party streaming services that often introduced lag. With YouTube’s robust infrastructure, the live stream should be nearly real‑time for viewers worldwide.

3. Enhanced Interactivity
   YouTube’s live‑streaming features—such as live chat, polls, and “Super Chat”—will allow fans to engage with the ceremony in real time. The Academy has indicated plans to integrate interactive voting segments, similar to those used in the “Best Live Action Short” category.

4. Re‑watch Options
   After the live event, the Oscars will be available for on‑demand viewing on YouTube. This will cater to those who missed the live broadcast due to time zone differences or technical issues.

Potential Challenges and Criticisms

The transition has sparked debate among industry stakeholders. Some critics argue that the prestige of a pay‑tiered broadcast might be diluted by the presence of ads. Others worry that a global platform could face content‑moderation controversies or censorship in certain jurisdictions. Moreover, the Academy has not yet clarified whether the partnership will cover the “After Party” or the full “Nomination Night” pre‑show, leaving some fans uncertain about what will be available in the new format.

Despite these concerns, the move is widely seen as forward‑thinking. As the Academy’s official statement notes, “the Oscars are about celebrating human creativity. By embracing a platform that reaches billions, we are reinforcing that message to a new generation.”

Contextual Links and Further Reading

• Historical Broadcast Timeline – A detailed look at the Oscars’ broadcast history, from NBC’s brief stint in the 1950s to HBO’s long‑running partnership.
• YouTube’s Live‑Streaming Growth – An analysis of how YouTube has become a leading live‑event platform, hosting everything from sports to concerts.
• Streaming Trends in 2024 – A data‑driven article on how streaming subscriptions are eclipsing traditional cable, and how the Academy’s strategy aligns with broader industry shifts.

Looking Ahead

While the 2028 Oscars will remain on HBO, the 2029 ceremony will be a new chapter. Industry insiders predict that the partnership will usher in a fresh era of audience engagement and accessibility. As the Academy continues to explore digital avenues—such as a potential partnership with streaming giants like Disney+ for behind‑the‑scenes content—YouTube’s role as the flagship broadcast platform could set a precedent for other award shows.

In short, the Oscars’ shift to YouTube represents not just a change in where the ceremony is watched, but a strategic pivot toward a more inclusive, global, and digitally integrated future for film celebration. Whether the ceremony’s tradition can survive in a format that balances ad revenue with universal access remains to be seen, but the Academy’s bold move underscores its commitment to keeping the Oscars at the cultural forefront—no matter where the audience is watching from.