The Oscars to Depart ABC and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start streaming exclusively on the global video platform in the year 2029, representing the latest major change in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on Wednesday, confirming that it finalized a extended contract awarding YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, set for March 15th, has been televised for five decades on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the show will be available as a free live stream on the digital platform.
This is one more significant restructuring in the entertainment world, which is navigating studio sales and mergers, along with drastic production cuts.
"The Academy is an international organization, and this collaboration will enable us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd attainable - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the cinematic world," remarked organization heads in a announcement.
Over decades, viewership of the ceremony have declined, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences streaming from cell phones and desktops.
In a related comment, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "among our fundamental cultural institutions" and said that partnering with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of artistic expression and cinema enthusiasts while remaining faithful to the Oscars' illustrious history".
The broadcast network, which has aired the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will retain rights for.
The move follows film industry giants confront intricate takeover attempts. Both options were seen as problematic for an industry that has witnessed drastic cuts over the past several years.
In common with major studios, cable networks have struggled as the viewers has shifted towards on-demand video as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining rights to the Academy Awards strongly indicates that dependence on digital platforms will persist to grow.