The Oscars Are Exiting ABC and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, marking the most recent significant change in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, indicating that it signed a long-term agreement giving the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars until 2033.
The awards show, set for 15 March, has been broadcast for a half a century on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the event will be available as a free live stream on YouTube.
This is another major upheaval in Hollywood, which is dealing with company buyouts and fusions, coupled with drastic production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this alliance will permit us to broaden reach to the mission of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd attainable - which will be beneficial for our film artists and the film community," remarked organization heads in a statement.
For many years, audience numbers of the awards show have fallen, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers streaming from mobile devices and laptops.
In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural institutions" and said that teaming up with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious history".
ABC, which has aired the ceremony since the mid-1970s, stated that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will still host.
This decision follows film industry giants face intricate takeover attempts. Both options were considered unfavourable for an sector that has seen drastic cuts over the recent period.
Like big production houses, cable networks have struggled as the public has shifted towards on-demand video instead.
The platform securing the license to the Academy Awards clearly signals that the dominance of streaming sites will carry on increasing.
