The Academy Awards to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will begin airing only on YouTube in the year 2029, marking the newest substantial change in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on this week, confirming that it finalized a extended contract giving the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has been broadcast for a half a century on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the show will be viewable in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
It's a further significant restructuring in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, coupled with severe slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this partnership will permit us to increase availability to the activities of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience imaginable - which will be advantageous for our Academy members and the film community," said organization heads in a statement.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the televised event have declined, though there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of youthful audiences streaming from cell phones and laptops.
In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO referred to the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural touchstones" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "spark a new generation of innovation and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' storied legacy".
ABC, which has aired the ceremony since the mid-1970s, said that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will continue to air.
This decision comes as film industry giants confront complex corporate battles. Both options were viewed as unfavourable for an business that has experienced significant downsizing over the last few years.
In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the audience has chosen streaming services instead.
The platform securing rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that the dominance of digital platforms will continue to grow.
