The Oscars to Depart ABC and Stream on YouTube Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will begin airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, signaling the most recent substantial change in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on Wednesday, indicating that it finalized a long-term agreement giving YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has aired for a half a century on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the show will be accessible live and for free on the digital platform.
This is a further major restructuring in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, along with severe reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this alliance will enable us to broaden reach to the activities of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd possible - which will be positive for our film artists and the cinematic world," said organization heads in a announcement.
Over decades, ratings of the ceremony have declined, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers watching from mobile devices and desktops.
In a separate statement, the video platform's chief executive described the Oscars "a key vital pillars of culture" and said that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of creativity and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious history".
ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since 1976, said that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will retain rights for.
This shift coincides with large entertainment companies face complex corporate battles. Such proposals were seen as concerning for an sector that has witnessed severe reductions over the past several years.
Similar to major studios, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the viewers has shifted towards digital platforms as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining the license to the Oscars strongly indicates that reliance on streaming sites will persist expanding.
