The Oscars Are Exiting ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, signaling the most recent substantial transformation in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on Wednesday, stating that it entered into a extended contract granting the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for March 15th, has been televised for 50 years on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable in real-time without charge on YouTube.
It's a further substantial upheaval in Hollywood, which is navigating studio sales and mergers, in addition to steep reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an international organization, and this alliance will permit us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be beneficial for our film artists and the movie industry," stated the Academy's executives in a release.
Throughout a long period, audience numbers of the televised event have dropped, though there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of Gen Z and millennial watchers watching from cell phones and computers.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube referred to the Oscars "among our vital cultural institutions" and said that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a fresh wave of artistic expression and cinema enthusiasts while remaining faithful to the Oscars' celebrated history".
ABC, which has televised the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will retain rights for.
The move coincides with film industry giants confront intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were viewed as unfavourable for an industry that has seen severe reductions over the recent period.
In common with big production houses, traditional TV channels have struggled as the viewers has shifted towards on-demand video instead.
YouTube obtaining the license to the Oscars clearly signals that the dominance of streaming sites will persist expanding.
