The Oscars Are Exiting ABC and Stream on YouTube Starting in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards will begin broadcasting solely on the global video platform in the year 2029, representing the latest significant shift in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, confirming that it entered into a extended contract granting YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, which is planned for 15 March, has aired for 50 years on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the show will be available as a free live stream on the digital platform.
This is another significant restructuring in the entertainment world, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, along with steep production cuts.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this collaboration will permit us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the biggest global viewership attainable - which will be beneficial for our film artists and the movie industry," said Academy leadership in a statement.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the awards show have dropped, even if there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers streaming from mobile devices and laptops.
In a related comment, the video platform's chief executive called the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural touchstones" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "inspire a younger cohort of artistic expression and cinema enthusiasts while remaining faithful to the Oscars' storied heritage".
ABC, which has aired the ceremony since 1976, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will continue to air.
This decision comes as film industry giants deal with complex corporate battles. Both options were viewed as unfavourable for an sector that has seen significant downsizing over the recent period.
Like major studios, traditional TV channels have struggled as the audience has increasingly opted for digital platforms as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Oscars strongly indicates that the dominance of streaming sites will carry on expanding.
