The Oscars Will Leave ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, marking the latest substantial transformation in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on this week, stating that it finalized a extended contract awarding YouTube the unique international license to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has been televised for 50 years on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the show will be available in real-time without charge on YouTube.
This is another significant upheaval in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, in addition to steep slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this collaboration will permit us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be advantageous for our film artists and the movie industry," said the Academy's executives in a release.
Throughout a long period, audience numbers of the awards show have fallen, even if there was a small rise in 2025, with a significant number of youthful audiences tuning in from cell phones and laptops.
In a related comment, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "among our vital cultural touchstones" and said that teaming up with the Academy would "spark a fresh wave of innovation and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' storied history".
The broadcast network, which has televised the awards since 1976, commented that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will still host.
This shift comes as film industry giants deal with complex corporate battles. These potential deals were viewed as unfavourable for an business that has experienced drastic cuts over the past several years.
Like big production houses, cable networks have struggled as the audience has shifted towards digital platforms instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Oscars clearly signals that reliance on digital platforms will persist increasing.
