The Oscars Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in the Year 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, representing the newest substantial change in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on this week, confirming that it entered into a long-term agreement awarding the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, scheduled for 15 March, has been televised for a half a century on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the show will be viewable in real-time without charge on YouTube.
It's one more significant shakeup in the entertainment world, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, along with drastic slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this alliance will allow us to expand access to the activities of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be positive for our Academy members and the cinematic world," stated organization heads in a statement.
Over decades, viewership of the awards show have declined, even if there was a small rise in 2025, with a significant number of youthful audiences tuning in from mobile devices and desktops.
In a corresponding announcement, the video platform's chief executive described the Oscars "among our vital pillars of culture" and said that partnering with the Academy would "spark a new generation of artistic expression and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since the mid-1970s, said that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will retain rights for.
This shift comes as major studios confront complex corporate battles. Both options were viewed as concerning for an business that has seen significant downsizing over the last few years.
In common with major studios, cable networks have struggled as the viewers has shifted towards digital platforms as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that the dominance of streaming sites will carry on increasing.