The Oscars to Depart ABC and Broadcast Live on YouTube Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will commence streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the most recent substantial transformation in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on Wednesday, confirming that it finalized a multi-year deal giving YouTube the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, which is planned for 15 March, has been broadcast for 50 years on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the show will be accessible in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
This is one more substantial shakeup in the entertainment world, which is navigating studio sales and mergers, along with steep slashes to movie budgets.
"The Academy is an global institution, and this partnership will permit us to increase availability to the mission of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd attainable - which will be advantageous for our Academy members and the film community," remarked Academy leadership in a release.
Throughout a long period, viewership of the awards show have declined, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of youthful audiences watching from smartphones and desktops.
In a related comment, YouTube's CEO referred to the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural touchstones" and added that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a younger cohort of innovation and film lovers while remaining faithful to the Oscars' illustrious legacy".
The broadcast network, which has aired the awards since the mid-1970s, stated that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will still host.
The move comes as film industry giants confront challenging merger discussions. These potential deals were seen as unfavourable for an business that has witnessed significant downsizing over the past several years.
In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have struggled as the viewers has chosen digital platforms instead.
YouTube obtaining the license to the Academy Awards further suggests that the dominance of digital platforms will carry on to grow.
