The Academy Awards to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, signaling the newest major change in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on Wednesday, confirming that it signed a extended contract granting the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has aired for five decades on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the show will be accessible in real-time without charge on YouTube.
This is a further substantial restructuring in the entertainment world, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, in addition to drastic production cuts.
"The Academy is an global institution, and this alliance will permit us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd possible - which will be beneficial for our membership and the movie industry," said the Academy's executives in a statement.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the televised event have declined, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences watching from mobile devices and desktops.
In a related comment, the video platform's chief executive described the Oscars "among our vital cultural touchstones" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a younger cohort of creativity and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' illustrious legacy".
ABC, which has televised the ceremony since the mid-1970s, stated that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will continue to air.
This shift comes as film industry giants face complex corporate battles. Both options were seen as unfavourable for an sector that has witnessed significant downsizing over the past several years.
Similar to major studios, traditional TV channels have struggled as the viewers has shifted towards on-demand video as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining the license to the Oscars further suggests that dependence on streaming sites will carry on to grow.
