The Oscars Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Stream on the Video Platform Starting in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, marking the newest substantial change in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming that it finalized a extended contract granting the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for March 15th, has aired for 50 years on ABC. Starting in 2029, the event will be viewable in real-time without charge on YouTube.
It's a further significant shakeup in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, in addition to severe slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this partnership will permit us to increase availability to the mission of the Academy to the biggest global viewership attainable - which will be beneficial for our membership and the cinematic world," said Academy leadership in a statement.
Over decades, audience numbers of the awards show have fallen, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from cell phones and computers.
In a corresponding announcement, the head of YouTube referred to the Oscars "among our fundamental cultural institutions" and added that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a younger cohort of innovation and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious history".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since 1976, said that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will still host.
This decision coincides with film industry giants deal with challenging merger discussions. Both options were considered unfavourable for an sector that has witnessed significant downsizing over the recent period.
In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the audience has shifted towards on-demand video as an alternative.
The platform securing rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that the dominance of digital platforms will carry on expanding.
