In huge entertainment industry news, the Academy Awards will move from network television to streaming when the ceremony begins airing exclusively on YouTube in 2029, marking a major shift for one of Hollywood’s most established events.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on December 17 that it had signed a multi-year agreement granting YouTube exclusive global streaming rights to the Oscars through 2033. The show, which has been broadcast on ABC for more than 50 years, will be available live and for free.
The move comes as Hollywood adjusts to rapid changes across the industry. While Oscar viewership has declined steadily over the decades, ratings saw a modest rebound in 2025, driven in part by younger audiences watching on phones and computers.
Indeed, the annual Academy Awards ceremony is undeniably the most glamorous event in Hollywood. Sometimes, however, things can take an unexpected turn, like in 2022 when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage!
In this gallery, join us on a journey down memory lane. Click through to take in those unforgettable Hollywood nights.