The Walt Disney Company will no longer broadcast the Academy Awards on its ABC network starting in 2029, marking the end of a century-long tradition that has defined awards season for generations of television viewers.
On Wednesday, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that ABC's long-standing relationship with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will conclude after the 2028 ceremony. That broadcast will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the prestigious awards show.
Breaking: The Oscars Are Leaving ABC For YouTube Starting in 2029
Breaking: The Oscars Are Leaving ABC For YouTube Starting in 2029
https://t.co/gSDEqk81Q6— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) December 17, 2025
No Explanation Provided for Contract Termination
Neither The Walt Disney Company nor the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has publicly addressed why the decades-long agreement will end. As this story continues to develop, additional details about the decision-making process may emerge in the coming days and weeks.
The partnership between ABC and the Oscars has represented one of television's most enduring and watched annual events, drawing millions of viewers each year to witness Hollywood's biggest night.
YouTube Takes Over Starting in 2029
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that the 101st Academy Awards ceremony will be streamed live on YouTube. This marks a historic shift for the organization, as 2029 will represent the first time in the awards show's existence that it won't be broadcast on traditional television networks.
The move to YouTube raises questions about potential format changes for the ceremony. Network television broadcasts typically require the Academy to present specific categories during commercial breaks to accommodate strict time constraints and advertising commitments. YouTube's platform offers different capabilities for inserting advertisements during live content, potentially allowing greater flexibility in how the ceremony unfolds.
Whether the Academy plans to restructure the show's format or maintain its current approach remains unclear.
ABC Retains Three More Ceremonies
The immediate future of the Oscars on ABC remains unchanged despite Wednesday's announcement. The next three ceremonies—the 98th, 99th, and 100th Academy Awards—will proceed as scheduled on the Disney-owned network through 2028.
Viewers can continue watching the annual event on ABC for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 broadcasts, with the centennial celebration serving as the network's final presentation of Hollywood‘s most prestigious awards night.
Stay tuned to Disney Fanatic for updates on this developing story and other entertainment industry news.
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