The Academy Awards to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence streaming exclusively on YouTube in the year 2029, marking the newest major transformation in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming that it entered into a multi-year deal awarding the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, set for 15 March, has aired for five decades on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be accessible in real-time without charge on YouTube.
This is a further significant upheaval in the entertainment world, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, along with severe production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this alliance will permit us to increase availability to the activities of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be positive for our Academy members and the movie industry," stated organization heads in a announcement.
For many years, ratings of the awards show have declined, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of Gen Z and millennial watchers watching from cell phones and computers.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube described the Oscars "among our vital pillars of culture" and said that partnering with the Academy would "spark a younger cohort of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' storied heritage".
ABC, which has televised the ceremony since 1976, commented that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will still host.
This decision coincides with film industry giants face intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were considered unfavourable for an business that has seen severe reductions over the recent period.
In common with big production houses, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the public has chosen digital platforms instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Oscars strongly indicates that reliance on digital platforms will persist expanding.
