The Academy Awards to Depart ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will commence airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, representing the most recent significant change in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on Wednesday, indicating that it finalized a extended contract granting YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, set for March 15th, has been broadcast for five decades on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the show will be viewable in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
It's another significant shakeup in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, along with steep slashes to movie budgets.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this partnership will enable us to broaden reach to the mission of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the cinematic world," remarked the Academy's executives in a statement.
Throughout a long period, audience numbers of the ceremony have dropped, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from cell phones and computers.
In a corresponding announcement, YouTube's CEO referred to the Oscars "one of our essential cultural touchstones" and noted that working with the Academy would "inspire a new generation of artistic expression and film lovers while remaining faithful to the Oscars' storied legacy".
ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since 1976, commented that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will retain rights for.
The move follows large entertainment companies face complex corporate battles. Such proposals were viewed as problematic for an business that has witnessed drastic cuts over the last few years.
In common with major studios, cable networks have encountered challenges as the audience has increasingly opted for digital platforms instead.
YouTube winning the license to the Academy Awards clearly signals that dependence on digital platforms will persist expanding.
