The Academy Awards Will Leave Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, representing the most recent major transformation in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on Wednesday, confirming that it finalized a extended contract awarding the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has been televised for a half a century on ABC. Starting in 2029, the event will be viewable as a free live stream on the digital platform.
It's a further substantial shakeup in the entertainment world, which is dealing with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with steep slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this partnership will permit us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be advantageous for our film artists and the movie industry," stated the Academy's executives in a statement.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the awards show have declined, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences tuning in from cell phones and laptops.
In a related comment, the video platform's chief executive referred to the Oscars "a key essential cultural touchstones" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated history".
ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since 1976, said that it was eagerly anticipating "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.
The move comes as major studios confront complex corporate battles. These potential deals were considered concerning for an sector that has seen drastic cuts over the past several years.
In common with big production houses, cable networks have faced issues as the public has shifted towards on-demand video as an alternative.
The platform securing the license to the Academy Awards clearly signals that reliance on digital platforms will carry on expanding.
