The Oscars Will Leave ABC and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will begin streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, representing the latest major shift in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on this week, confirming that it entered into a multi-year deal awarding the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has been broadcast for 50 years on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the show will be viewable in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
It's another significant upheaval in the entertainment world, which is navigating corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with severe slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this alliance will allow us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd possible - which will be positive for our membership and the movie industry," said Academy leadership in a announcement.
Throughout a long period, viewership of the ceremony have declined, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of youthful audiences streaming from smartphones and computers.
In a related comment, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural touchstones" and noted that partnering with the Academy would "spark a younger cohort of artistic expression and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' storied history".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since the mid-1970s, stated that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will still host.
This shift follows film industry giants confront complex corporate battles. These potential deals were seen as unfavourable for an business that has witnessed drastic cuts over the past several years.
Like big production houses, cable networks have encountered challenges as the viewers has increasingly opted for streaming services instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Oscars clearly signals that the dominance of online services will carry on increasing.
