The Oscars Are Exiting ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, representing the most recent substantial shift in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on Wednesday, indicating that it entered into a long-term agreement granting YouTube the unique international license to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, set for March 15th, has aired for five decades on ABC. Starting in 2029, the event will be viewable live and for free on YouTube.
This is another major restructuring in Hollywood, which is navigating corporate acquisitions and consolidations, in addition to steep production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this partnership will permit us to broaden reach to the mission of the Academy to the biggest global viewership imaginable - which will be beneficial for our membership and the cinematic world," stated the Academy's executives in a statement.
Over decades, audience numbers of the awards show have dropped, although there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers watching from mobile devices and desktops.
In a corresponding announcement, the video platform's chief executive referred to the Oscars "a key vital cultural touchstones" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while remaining faithful to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".
The broadcast network, which has aired the ceremony since the mid-1970s, said that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will retain rights for.
This shift follows large entertainment companies confront intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were seen as problematic for an business that has experienced drastic cuts over the last few years.
Similar to big production houses, cable networks have faced issues as the public has shifted towards on-demand video instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Oscars strongly indicates that dependence on digital platforms will persist increasing.
