The Oscars to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, signaling the latest substantial transformation in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on this week, stating that it entered into a multi-year deal granting YouTube the unique international license to the Oscars up to 2033.
The Oscars, scheduled for 15 March, has been broadcast for five decades on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the event will be viewable live and for free on the digital platform.
This is another major upheaval 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 collaboration will allow us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be advantageous for our Academy members and the movie industry," said Academy leadership in a announcement.
For many years, ratings of the televised event have dropped, though there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of Gen Z and millennial watchers streaming from smartphones and desktops.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural touchstones" and added that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of creativity and film lovers while remaining faithful to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".
ABC, which has aired the ceremony since the mid-1970s, stated that it was eagerly anticipating "to hosting the event three more times" it will retain rights for.
This decision comes as large entertainment companies deal with intricate takeover attempts. Both options were viewed as problematic for an business that has witnessed significant downsizing over the last few years.
Similar to major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the public has shifted towards streaming services instead.
The platform securing broadcasting rights to the Oscars clearly signals that the dominance of digital platforms will persist increasing.
