The Oscars to Depart ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, marking the latest substantial transformation in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, stating that it entered into a extended contract awarding YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for March 15th, has been televised for five decades on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
It's one more major shakeup in Hollywood, which is dealing with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, in addition to severe production cuts.
"The Academy is an global institution, and this alliance will allow us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd attainable - which will be beneficial for our membership and the movie industry," stated Academy leadership in a announcement.
Over decades, audience numbers of the televised event have dropped, though there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of younger viewers watching from mobile devices and laptops.
In a corresponding announcement, the video platform's chief executive described the Oscars "one of our essential cultural institutions" and added that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of artistic expression and movie fans while adhering to the Oscars' illustrious history".
The broadcast network, which has televised the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will retain rights for.
This decision follows film industry giants deal with complex corporate battles. These potential deals were viewed as concerning for an industry that has witnessed drastic cuts over the past several years.
In common with big production houses, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the audience has increasingly opted for streaming services instead.
YouTube obtaining rights to the Academy Awards strongly indicates that the dominance of streaming sites will persist to grow.
