The Oscars to Depart Broadcast TV and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start airing only on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the latest substantial shift in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on this week, confirming that it signed a long-term agreement granting YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for March 15th, has aired for 50 years on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the show will be viewable live and for free on the digital platform.
It's another major shakeup in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, in addition to steep reductions in filming.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this alliance will allow us to broaden reach to the activities of the Academy to the biggest global viewership imaginable - which will be advantageous for our film artists and the cinematic world," said organization heads in a announcement.
For many years, ratings of the televised event have fallen, though there was a small rise in 2025, with a significant number of Gen Z and millennial watchers watching from mobile devices and computers.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "one of our fundamental cultural touchstones" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a younger cohort of artistic expression and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated history".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since the mid-1970s, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will retain rights for.
The move coincides with film industry giants face intricate takeover attempts. Both options were considered concerning for an sector that has seen drastic cuts over the last few years.
In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have struggled as the public has increasingly opted for on-demand video as an alternative.
The platform securing rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that reliance on streaming sites will continue increasing.
