The Oscars announce a historic change: everyone will be able to watch them for free via streaming
YouTube is the platform chosen to broadcast both the ceremony and various content related to the Academy Awards starting in 2029.
The 2026 Oscars will be held in March 2026, but the Academy is also looking to the future and has signed a historic agreement for one of the most important events in the film industry, as the Oscars will be broadcast free of charge on YouTube from 2029 onwards. They will be available to watch live on the platform until at least the 2033 edition. Until now, both the red carpet and the ceremony itself were part of the paid content offered by various operators around the world.
Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, said the following after announcing the agreement: “Partnering with the Academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”
YouTube is available on a wide range of devices: browsers, mobile and tablet apps, Smart TVs, video game consoles, and more. What’s more, the agreement doesn’t just cover the ceremony itself; the platform will also host a variety of related content such as educational films, podcasts, and other programs about the Oscars and their history.
When and what time are the 2026 Oscars?
The 2026 Oscars ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, at the following times across the United States:
- 7:00 pm ET
- 6:00 pm CT
- 4:00 pm PT
Conan O’Brien will host for the second year in a row.
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