The Oscars to Depart ABC and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start streaming exclusively on the global video platform in the year 2029, marking the newest major shift in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on this week, stating that it entered into a multi-year deal granting YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for March 15th, has been broadcast for five decades on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable in real-time without charge on YouTube.
It's another major upheaval in Hollywood, which is navigating corporate acquisitions and consolidations, in addition to severe production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this collaboration will allow us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership attainable - which will be positive for our membership and the film community," stated organization heads in a announcement.
For many years, audience numbers of the televised event have declined, even if there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences tuning in from smartphones and desktops.
In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "among our essential cultural institutions" and said that working with the Academy would "spark a younger cohort of innovation and film lovers while remaining faithful to the Oscars' storied heritage".
ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since 1976, stated that it was looking forward "to hosting the event three more times" it will still host.
This decision coincides with film industry giants deal with intricate takeover attempts. These potential deals were seen as problematic for an business that has seen significant downsizing over the last few years.
In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the viewers has chosen on-demand video instead.
YouTube obtaining rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that reliance on online services will carry on expanding.
