The Oscars Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Starting in the Year 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in the year 2029, signaling the latest significant transformation in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, stating that it entered into a long-term agreement giving the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, set for March 15th, has been televised for a half a century on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the event will be available in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
It's one more significant upheaval in Hollywood, which is dealing with company buyouts and fusions, in addition to drastic production cuts.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this alliance will allow us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be advantageous for our film artists and the cinematic world," remarked the Academy's executives in a statement.
Over decades, ratings of the awards show have declined, even if there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of Gen Z and millennial watchers streaming from mobile devices and laptops.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube referred to the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural touchstones" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of creativity and cinema enthusiasts while adhering to the Oscars' storied history".
ABC, which has televised the ceremony since the mid-1970s, said that it was looking forward "to the next three telecasts" it will still host.
The move comes as major studios confront intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were considered concerning for an industry that has experienced severe reductions over the past several years.
In common with major studios, cable networks have struggled as the public has shifted towards streaming services instead.
The platform securing rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that dependence on digital platforms will carry on to grow.
