The Academy Awards Will Leave Broadcast TV and Stream on YouTube Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will begin broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, representing the most recent substantial shift in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, indicating that it finalized a extended contract giving YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has been broadcast for 50 years on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the event will be viewable live and for free on the digital platform.
It's one more major shakeup in the entertainment world, which is navigating corporate acquisitions and consolidations, along with severe reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will enable us to increase availability to the activities of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be positive for our film artists and the cinematic world," said Academy leadership in a announcement.
Throughout a long period, audience numbers of the televised event have declined, even if there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers tuning in from cell phones and desktops.
In a related comment, the head of YouTube referred to the Oscars "a key vital pillars of culture" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a fresh wave of creativity and cinema enthusiasts while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated history".
The broadcast network, which has televised the awards since 1976, commented that it was looking forward "to hosting the event three more times" it will retain rights for.
This decision coincides with film industry giants deal with intricate takeover attempts. These potential deals were viewed as problematic for an business that has experienced severe reductions over the last few years.
In common with major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the audience has chosen digital platforms as an alternative.
The platform securing rights to the Oscars further suggests that reliance on streaming sites will persist to grow.
