The Oscars Will Leave Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start streaming exclusively on YouTube in the year 2029, signaling the most recent major transformation in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on this week, indicating that it finalized a extended contract giving YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, set for 15 March, has been broadcast for 50 years on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be available in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
This is another substantial upheaval in the entertainment world, which is dealing with studio sales and mergers, coupled with severe slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this alliance will enable us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be advantageous for our Academy members and the film community," said the Academy's executives in a announcement.
For many years, viewership of the televised event have dropped, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers streaming from mobile devices and computers.
In a corresponding announcement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "a key vital cultural touchstones" and noted that working with the Academy would "inspire a younger cohort of creativity and movie fans while staying true to the Oscars' storied legacy".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since 1976, commented that it was looking forward "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.
The move coincides with film industry giants face intricate takeover attempts. Both options were seen as concerning for an sector that has experienced significant downsizing over the recent period.
Like major studios, traditional TV channels have struggled as the audience has shifted towards streaming services instead.
YouTube obtaining the license to the Academy Awards strongly indicates that the dominance of online services will continue increasing.
