The Academy Awards to Depart Broadcast TV and Stream on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards will begin broadcasting solely on YouTube in 2029, representing the newest major transformation in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on this week, indicating that it finalized a extended contract giving the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The Oscars, scheduled for 15 March, has been broadcast for five decades on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be available in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
It's another major restructuring in Hollywood, which is navigating company buyouts and fusions, in addition to drastic reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this alliance will permit us to broaden reach to the activities of the Academy to the biggest global viewership attainable - which will be positive for our film artists and the film community," said Academy leadership in a announcement.
Throughout a long period, viewership of the awards show have declined, even if there was a small rise in 2025, with a significant number of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from cell phones and desktops.
In a separate statement, the video platform's chief executive called the Oscars "one of our essential cultural touchstones" and said that working with the Academy would "motivate a fresh wave of creativity and movie fans while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since the mid-1970s, said that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will still host.
This shift follows large entertainment companies face intricate takeover attempts. These potential deals were viewed as concerning for an sector that has experienced significant downsizing over the past several years.
In common with big production houses, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the audience has shifted towards streaming services instead.
The platform securing the license to the Academy Awards strongly indicates that the dominance of online services will carry on to grow.
