The Academy Awards Will Leave ABC and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start airing only on the global video platform in 2029, representing the newest substantial change in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on Wednesday, stating that it signed a long-term agreement awarding the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for March 15th, has been broadcast for five decades on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be available as a free live stream on the digital platform.
It's another major shakeup in Hollywood, which is navigating company buyouts and fusions, coupled with severe slashes to movie budgets.
"The Academy is an global institution, and this alliance will enable us to broaden reach to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience imaginable - which will be positive for our Academy members and the cinematic world," said organization heads in a announcement.
Throughout a long period, audience numbers of the ceremony have dropped, though there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers streaming from smartphones and laptops.
In a related comment, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "one of our fundamental pillars of culture" and added that working with the Academy would "spark a new generation of artistic expression and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".
The broadcast network, which has aired the ceremony since 1976, stated that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.
The move coincides with major studios deal with challenging merger discussions. Such proposals were viewed as problematic for an sector that has seen significant downsizing over the recent period.
In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the public has shifted towards streaming services as an alternative.
YouTube winning the license to the Academy Awards further suggests that the dominance of streaming sites will persist increasing.
