The Oscars Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start airing only on YouTube in the year 2029, signaling the latest significant shift in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, stating that it entered into a long-term agreement granting the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for March 15th, has been televised for a half a century on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable in real-time without charge on YouTube.
It's another substantial upheaval in the entertainment world, which is dealing with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, along with severe reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this alliance will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd attainable - which will be beneficial for our membership and the film community," stated organization heads in a statement.
Throughout a long period, audience numbers of the awards show have declined, even if there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers tuning in from mobile devices and laptops.
In a corresponding announcement, the video platform's chief executive described the Oscars "among our vital cultural touchstones" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "spark a fresh wave of innovation and movie fans while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".
ABC, which has aired the awards since the mid-1970s, stated that it was looking forward "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.
This decision coincides with film industry giants confront complex corporate battles. Such proposals were viewed as concerning for an industry that has seen severe reductions over the last few years.
Similar to big production houses, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the viewers has increasingly opted for on-demand video as an alternative.
The platform securing broadcasting rights to the Oscars strongly indicates that the dominance of digital platforms will continue expanding.
