The Oscars Will Leave Broadcast TV and Stream on YouTube Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will commence broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, marking the most recent substantial change in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on Wednesday, confirming that it entered into a multi-year deal giving the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, set for 15 March, has aired for 50 years on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the show will be accessible in real-time without charge on YouTube.
It's a further major upheaval in Hollywood, which is grappling with studio sales and mergers, in addition to drastic production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this collaboration will enable us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership attainable - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community," stated Academy leadership in a announcement.
For many years, viewership of the televised event have declined, although there was a small rise in 2025, with a notable portion of Gen Z and millennial watchers watching from smartphones and laptops.
In a corresponding announcement, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "among our fundamental cultural institutions" and said that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a fresh wave of innovation and film lovers while remaining faithful to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".
ABC, which has televised the ceremony since 1976, said that it was looking forward "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will continue to air.
This shift coincides with major studios face intricate takeover attempts. Both options were viewed as problematic for an business that has seen significant downsizing over the recent period.
Similar to major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the viewers has increasingly opted for digital platforms instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that the dominance of online services will carry on to grow.