The Academy Awards Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence airing only on YouTube in 2029, representing the newest major transformation in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on Wednesday, stating that it finalized a multi-year deal awarding YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has been broadcast for five decades on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the show will be viewable live and for free on YouTube.
It's one more substantial upheaval in the entertainment world, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, along with drastic slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this partnership will permit us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be advantageous for our Academy members and the film community," remarked Academy leadership in a release.
Over decades, ratings of the televised event have declined, though there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of Gen Z and millennial watchers watching from smartphones and computers.
In a corresponding announcement, the video platform's chief executive referred to the Oscars "a key essential cultural touchstones" and added that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a younger cohort of artistic expression and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious history".
ABC, which has aired the ceremony since the mid-1970s, stated that it was eagerly anticipating "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.
This shift follows major studios confront complex corporate battles. Both options were seen as concerning for an business that has witnessed significant downsizing over the last few years.
Like big production houses, cable networks have encountered challenges as the viewers has shifted towards digital platforms instead.
The platform securing rights to the Oscars further suggests that dependence on streaming sites will continue expanding.
