Academy CEO Defends Oscars Move to YouTube From ABC
Bill Kramer says the Academy is already in talks with YouTube CEO Neal Mohan as the ceremony prepares to leave ABC after decades.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Bill Kramer used a Zurich Film Festival Summit appearance on Saturday to defend the organization's decision to move the Oscars broadcast to YouTube starting in 2029, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The ceremony has aired on ABC in the U.S. since 1976, and the new deal begins with the 101st Oscars in 2029. Kramer said the Academy is already in discussions with YouTube CEO Neal Mohan and his team, and he described the arrangement as a good deal.
The YouTube agreement covers far more than the telecast itself. The platform will carry the ceremony, the red carpet pre-show, the nominations announcement, the Governors Awards, the Nominees Luncheon, the Student Academy Awards, the Scientific and Technical Awards, plus interviews, education programs and podcasts.
The move comes as the Academy weighs both revenue and reach. The Oscars generated $150 million for the organization from 2024 to 2025, mostly through the Disney TV rights deal.
Viewership, however, has been sliding. The 2026 Oscars drew 17.86 million viewers on ABC and Hulu, down about 9 percent from 2025's 19.69 million and the smallest audience since 2022, when 16.68 million watched.
Kramer appeared at the summit alongside Kane Parsons, Robbie Brenner and Michael Barker.
Quick answers
When will the Oscars move to YouTube?
The YouTube deal begins with the 101st Oscars in 2029, ending a run on ABC in the U.S. that started in 1976.
How many viewers watched the 2026 Oscars?
The 2026 ceremony drew 17.86 million viewers on ABC and Hulu, down about 9 percent from 19.69 million in 2025.
What will YouTube broadcast under the deal?
The ceremony, red carpet pre-show, nominations announcement, Governors Awards, Nominees Luncheon, Student Academy Awards, Scientific and Technical Awards, interviews, education programs and podcasts.