The Oscars Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start broadcasting solely on the global video platform in the year 2029, representing the newest major shift in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on Wednesday, indicating that it entered into a long-term agreement granting the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.
The Oscars, scheduled for March 15th, has been televised for 50 years on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the event will be available as a free live stream on YouTube.
It's one more significant shakeup in the entertainment world, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, coupled with steep slashes to movie budgets.
"The Academy is an global institution, and this alliance will enable us to increase availability to the activities of the Academy to the biggest global viewership imaginable - which will be beneficial for our membership and the film community," remarked Academy leadership in a release.
For many years, ratings of the ceremony have fallen, though there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers streaming from cell phones and desktops.
In a corresponding announcement, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "a key vital cultural institutions" and said that partnering with the Academy would "spark a fresh wave of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".
ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since 1976, commented that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will still host.
This decision coincides with film industry giants face intricate takeover attempts. Both options were considered problematic for an sector that has witnessed drastic cuts over the recent period.
In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the public has shifted towards on-demand video as an alternative.
The platform securing the license to the Academy Awards further suggests that the dominance of streaming sites will continue expanding.
