The Oscars Are Exiting ABC and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start streaming exclusively on YouTube in the year 2029, signaling the most recent substantial shift in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on Wednesday, stating that it entered into a extended contract granting the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for March 15th, has aired for five decades on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the event will be accessible live and for free on the digital platform.
It's another significant restructuring in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, along with drastic reductions in filming.
"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this alliance will allow us to expand access to the activities of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be positive for our membership and the film community," said Academy leadership in a announcement.
Over decades, audience numbers of the ceremony have fallen, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers tuning in from cell phones and computers.
In a related comment, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "one of our fundamental cultural institutions" and noted that working with the Academy would "motivate a fresh wave of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated history".
The broadcast network, which has streamed the ceremony since 1976, commented that it was looking forward "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will continue to air.
This decision coincides with film industry giants deal with challenging merger discussions. Such proposals were viewed as problematic for an industry that has witnessed severe reductions over the recent period.
Similar to major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the public has shifted towards on-demand video instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards strongly indicates that dependence on online services will persist expanding.
