The Oscars Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Stream on YouTube Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start streaming exclusively on the global video platform in the year 2029, representing the newest major transformation in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on this week, stating that it entered into a extended contract granting YouTube the unique international license to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, set for 15 March, has been broadcast for 50 years on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the show will be viewable live and for free on YouTube.
This is a further major shakeup in Hollywood, which is dealing with company buyouts and fusions, in addition to severe slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this alliance will permit us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be beneficial for our membership and the movie industry," stated Academy leadership in a statement.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the awards show have fallen, though there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences tuning in from mobile devices and desktops.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube described the Oscars "among our fundamental pillars of culture" and noted that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of creativity and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".
The broadcast network, which has televised the awards since 1976, said that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.
This shift comes as large entertainment companies face complex corporate battles. Both options were viewed as problematic for an sector that has witnessed significant downsizing over the last few years.
Like big production houses, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the viewers has chosen digital platforms instead.
The platform securing broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that reliance on streaming sites will carry on expanding.
