The Academy Awards Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start airing only on YouTube in 2029, representing the newest major transformation in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on this week, confirming that it signed a long-term agreement awarding YouTube the unique international license to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for March 15th, has aired for a half a century on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the event will be available in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
It's a further substantial upheaval in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, along with severe slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this collaboration will permit us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be beneficial for our membership and the cinematic world," said organization heads in a announcement.
Over decades, ratings of the ceremony have declined, though there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of youthful audiences watching from cell phones and computers.
In a corresponding announcement, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "a key vital cultural touchstones" and added that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a younger cohort of artistic expression and movie fans while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".
ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will retain rights for.
This shift coincides with film industry giants face challenging merger discussions. These potential deals were viewed as unfavourable for an sector that has experienced significant downsizing over the recent period.
In common with major studios, cable networks have struggled as the audience has shifted towards digital platforms as an alternative.
YouTube winning rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that reliance on online services will continue expanding.
