The Academy Awards Will Leave Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, representing the newest major change in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, indicating that it entered into a multi-year deal granting the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for March 15th, has been televised for five decades on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the event will be available live and for free on YouTube.
It's a further significant restructuring in Hollywood, which is dealing with studio sales and mergers, along with severe reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an global institution, and this partnership will permit us to broaden reach to the mission of the Academy to the biggest global viewership imaginable - which will be beneficial for our film artists and the cinematic world," remarked organization heads in a release.
For many years, ratings of the awards show have dropped, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a considerable amount of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from smartphones and computers.
In a related comment, the video platform's chief executive called the Oscars "among our vital cultural touchstones" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "spark a fresh wave of artistic expression and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' illustrious legacy".
ABC, which has televised the awards since the mid-1970s, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will retain rights for.
This shift follows large entertainment companies deal with challenging merger discussions. Both options were seen as problematic for an business that has witnessed drastic cuts over the recent period.
Similar to major studios, cable networks have struggled as the audience has chosen on-demand video instead.
YouTube winning rights to the Oscars further suggests that reliance on online services will persist increasing.
