The Oscars to Depart Broadcast TV and Stream on YouTube Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, signaling the newest significant shift in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on this week, confirming that it entered into a extended contract giving the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The Oscars, set for 15 March, has been televised for 50 years on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the show will be accessible live and for free on the digital platform.
It's one more substantial shakeup in Hollywood, which is navigating corporate acquisitions and consolidations, in addition to steep slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this partnership will permit us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community," remarked Academy leadership in a statement.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the awards show have declined, even if there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of youthful audiences tuning in from smartphones and laptops.
In a separate statement, the video platform's chief executive referred to the Oscars "one of our essential pillars of culture" and added that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a younger cohort of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' storied heritage".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since 1976, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will still host.
The move coincides with major studios confront intricate takeover attempts. Both options were seen as concerning for an sector that has seen significant downsizing over the recent period.
Like major studios, traditional TV channels have struggled as the audience has chosen on-demand video instead.
The platform securing the license to the Academy Awards strongly indicates that dependence on online services will carry on increasing.