The Academy Awards to Depart Broadcast TV and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start broadcasting solely on YouTube in the year 2029, marking the most recent substantial transformation in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on this week, confirming that it signed a long-term agreement giving the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for March 15th, has been broadcast for 50 years on ABC. Starting in 2029, the show will be accessible in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
It's one more substantial upheaval in Hollywood, which is grappling with studio sales and mergers, in addition to steep production cuts.
"The Academy is an international organization, and this collaboration will enable us to increase availability to the mission of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd possible - which will be advantageous for our Academy members and the film community," remarked organization heads in a statement.
For many years, audience numbers of the awards show have declined, though there was a small rise in 2025, with a significant number of younger viewers tuning in from mobile devices and laptops.
In a related comment, the video platform's chief executive referred to the Oscars "a key vital cultural institutions" and added that working with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of creativity and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated legacy".
The broadcast network, which has streamed the awards since 1976, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will continue to air.
The move coincides with major studios face challenging merger discussions. These potential deals were seen as problematic for an sector that has experienced significant downsizing over the last few years.
Similar to big production houses, traditional TV channels have struggled as the audience has increasingly opted for on-demand video as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining rights to the Oscars further suggests that reliance on online services will carry on increasing.
