The Academy Awards Will Leave Broadcast TV and Stream on YouTube Beginning in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in the year 2029, signaling the latest significant transformation in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on Wednesday, confirming that it signed a multi-year deal giving the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has been broadcast for a half a century on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the event will be viewable in real-time without charge on YouTube.
It's one more substantial restructuring in Hollywood, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with drastic reductions in filming.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this partnership will allow us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership attainable - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the cinematic world," said Academy leadership in a release.
For many years, viewership of the televised event have fallen, although there was a small rise in 2025, with a significant number of younger viewers tuning in from smartphones and desktops.
In a related comment, the video platform's chief executive referred to the Oscars "one of our essential cultural touchstones" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "inspire a new generation of artistic expression and movie fans while remaining faithful to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since 1976, stated that it was looking forward "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will retain rights for.
This decision comes as large entertainment companies deal with complex corporate battles. These potential deals were viewed as concerning for an sector that has seen severe reductions over the recent period.
Like major studios, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the public has shifted towards streaming services instead.
The platform securing the license to the Oscars further suggests that the dominance of digital platforms will persist to grow.
