The Oscars to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards will begin airing only on the global video platform in 2029, marking the newest substantial shift in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on this week, confirming that it finalized a long-term agreement giving the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has been broadcast for a half a century on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be available live and for free on YouTube.
This is one more significant shakeup in Hollywood, which is navigating studio sales and mergers, coupled with steep slashes to movie budgets.
"The Academy is an international organization, and this alliance will permit us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd attainable - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the cinematic world," remarked Academy leadership in a statement.
For many years, audience numbers of the awards show have fallen, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a significant number of Gen Z and millennial watchers watching from cell phones and computers.
In a corresponding announcement, the head of YouTube referred to the Oscars "a key vital cultural touchstones" and noted that working with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of artistic expression and cinema enthusiasts while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated history".
The broadcast network, which has televised the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will continue to air.
This decision follows major studios face intricate takeover attempts. Both options were seen as concerning for an industry that has experienced severe reductions over the last few years.
In common with big production houses, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the public has chosen on-demand video as an alternative.
YouTube winning rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that dependence on online services will continue increasing.
