The Oscars Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Stream on YouTube Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will commence streaming exclusively on YouTube in the year 2029, marking the most recent substantial change in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on Wednesday, confirming that it signed a extended contract giving YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, which is planned for 15 March, has aired for 50 years on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the show will be available live and for free on YouTube.
This is another substantial restructuring in the entertainment world, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with steep reductions in filming.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this alliance will enable us to broaden reach to the activities of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience imaginable - which will be beneficial for our film artists and the movie industry," stated the Academy's executives in a announcement.
For many years, ratings of the awards show have fallen, though there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers tuning in from mobile devices and desktops.
In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "among our essential cultural institutions" and noted that partnering with the Academy would "spark a fresh wave of creativity and movie fans while adhering to the Oscars' storied heritage".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since the mid-1970s, commented that it was looking forward "to the next three telecasts" it will retain rights for.
This decision comes as film industry giants face complex corporate battles. These potential deals were considered concerning for an sector that has seen severe reductions over the last few years.
Like big production houses, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the public has chosen on-demand video instead.
YouTube obtaining the license to the Academy Awards clearly signals that reliance on digital platforms will persist expanding.