The Oscars to Depart Broadcast TV and Stream on the Video Platform Starting in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence streaming exclusively on the global video platform in the year 2029, marking the latest substantial change in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on this week, stating that it entered into a extended contract awarding YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has been broadcast for 50 years on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the event will be viewable as a free live stream on the digital platform.
This is a further major shakeup in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, coupled with steep reductions in filming.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this alliance will allow us to increase availability to the activities of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be positive for our Academy members and the movie industry," said Academy leadership in a statement.
Over decades, ratings of the awards show have dropped, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences tuning in from mobile devices and computers.
In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "a key essential pillars of culture" and noted that partnering with the Academy would "inspire a younger cohort of artistic expression and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' illustrious history".
The broadcast network, which has aired the awards since the mid-1970s, said that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will continue to air.
This shift follows major studios deal with challenging merger discussions. These potential deals were considered unfavourable for an business that has witnessed severe reductions over the last few years.
Like major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the public has shifted towards digital platforms instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that reliance on digital platforms will carry on to grow.
