The Oscars to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Starting in the Year 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will commence broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, marking the most recent significant transformation in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that it entered into a extended contract granting YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, set for 15 March, has been televised for five decades on ABC. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable as a free live stream on YouTube.
It's a further substantial upheaval in Hollywood, which is dealing with company buyouts and fusions, along with steep slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this alliance will permit us to expand access to the activities of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be positive for our film artists and the film community," stated the Academy's executives in a statement.
For many years, ratings of the awards show have dropped, although there was a small rise in 2025, with a significant number of youthful audiences watching from mobile devices and desktops.
In a corresponding announcement, the head of YouTube referred to the Oscars "a key vital cultural touchstones" and said that partnering with the Academy would "spark a fresh wave of artistic expression and film lovers while remaining faithful to the Oscars' celebrated legacy".
The broadcast network, which has televised the awards since 1976, stated that it was eagerly anticipating "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will still host.
This decision comes as large entertainment companies face complex corporate battles. Both options were viewed as problematic for an business that has experienced severe reductions over the last few years.
In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the public has increasingly opted for streaming services instead.
YouTube obtaining rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that dependence on digital platforms will carry on increasing.
