The Academy Awards to Depart ABC and Stream on YouTube Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the newest substantial transformation in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on Wednesday, indicating that it signed a extended contract giving the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, scheduled for March 15th, has been televised for five decades on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable as a free live stream on YouTube.
It's another significant upheaval in the entertainment world, which is dealing with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, in addition to severe reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this partnership will enable us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd imaginable - which will be advantageous for our film artists and the cinematic world," stated organization heads in a statement.
Throughout a long period, viewership of the ceremony have declined, even if there was a small rise in 2025, with a significant number of younger viewers streaming from cell phones and computers.
In a corresponding announcement, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "among our vital cultural touchstones" and said that partnering with the Academy would "spark a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' storied legacy".
ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since the mid-1970s, said that it was looking forward "to the next three telecasts" it will still host.
This shift follows film industry giants confront intricate takeover attempts. Both options were considered concerning for an industry that has witnessed significant downsizing over the last few years.
In common with big production houses, traditional TV channels have struggled as the audience has increasingly opted for digital platforms instead.
The platform securing rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that the dominance of streaming sites will continue to grow.
