The Academy Awards Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence streaming exclusively on the global video platform in the year 2029, marking the latest significant change in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming that it signed a long-term agreement giving YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has aired for a half a century on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the show will be viewable live and for free on the digital platform.
This is a further major restructuring in the entertainment world, which is dealing with studio sales and mergers, in addition to severe production cuts.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience imaginable - which will be advantageous for our membership and the cinematic world," stated Academy leadership in a announcement.
Over decades, viewership of the awards show have declined, although there was a small rise in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers streaming from cell phones and laptops.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "one of our essential cultural touchstones" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "spark a new generation of artistic expression and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated legacy".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since the mid-1970s, commented that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will retain rights for.
The move follows large entertainment companies deal with intricate takeover attempts. These potential deals were viewed as problematic for an sector that has experienced drastic cuts over the last few years.
In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the public has chosen streaming services instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that reliance on online services will continue expanding.
