The Academy Awards to Depart Broadcast TV and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards will begin airing only on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the latest substantial shift in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on this week, stating that it finalized a extended contract awarding the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, which is planned for March 15th, has been televised for 50 years on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable live and for free on the digital platform.
It's a further significant shakeup in the entertainment world, which is dealing with studio sales and mergers, coupled with steep slashes to movie budgets.
"The Academy is an global institution, and this partnership will permit us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the biggest global viewership imaginable - which will be advantageous for our Academy members and the film community," stated organization heads in a statement.
Throughout a long period, viewership of the awards show have fallen, though there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences tuning in from mobile devices and laptops.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube referred to the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural touchstones" and said that working with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of innovation and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated legacy".
ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will still host.
The move follows large entertainment companies face intricate takeover attempts. These potential deals were viewed as problematic for an business that has seen drastic cuts over the recent period.
Similar to big production houses, cable networks have faced issues as the public has increasingly opted for streaming services instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that dependence on streaming sites will persist to grow.
