The Oscars to Depart ABC and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards will begin broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the newest significant change in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on this week, indicating that it signed a long-term agreement awarding the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for March 15th, has been broadcast for five decades on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the show will be available as a free live stream on YouTube.
It's a further significant shakeup in the entertainment world, which is dealing with company buyouts and fusions, along with severe reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this collaboration will allow us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the biggest global viewership imaginable - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the cinematic world," stated Academy leadership in a release.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the televised event have dropped, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences watching from cell phones and computers.
In a corresponding announcement, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "among our vital cultural institutions" and added that working with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of artistic expression and movie fans while remaining faithful to the Oscars' storied legacy".
ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will still host.
This decision follows film industry giants face intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were seen as unfavourable for an sector that has witnessed significant downsizing over the recent period.
Similar to big production houses, cable networks have encountered challenges as the audience has increasingly opted for streaming services as an alternative.
YouTube winning broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards strongly indicates that the dominance of online services will continue to grow.
