The Oscars Will Leave Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start airing only on the global video platform in 2029, representing the latest major transformation in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on Wednesday, confirming that it finalized a extended contract granting the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The Oscars, scheduled for 15 March, has aired for 50 years on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the event will be available as a free live stream on YouTube.
This is a further significant shakeup in the entertainment world, which is navigating studio sales and mergers, along with steep reductions in filming.
"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this alliance will allow us to increase availability to the activities of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd imaginable - which will be beneficial for our membership and the film community," remarked the Academy's executives in a statement.
For many years, viewership of the televised event have declined, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences tuning in from mobile devices and computers.
In a corresponding announcement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural touchstones" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of innovation and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' storied legacy".
ABC, which has aired the ceremony since 1976, stated that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will still host.
This shift follows major studios deal with intricate takeover attempts. Both options were viewed as problematic for an business that has witnessed significant downsizing over the past several years.
Similar to major studios, cable networks have encountered challenges as the public has chosen streaming services instead.
The platform securing broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that dependence on digital platforms will persist to grow.
