The Academy Awards to Depart ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the newest major transformation in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on this week, stating that it finalized a long-term agreement granting the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for March 15th, has been televised for a half a century on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be available live and for free on YouTube.
This is another substantial restructuring in Hollywood, which is navigating studio sales and mergers, along with drastic reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this collaboration will allow us to broaden reach to the activities of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd imaginable - which will be positive for our Academy members and the cinematic world," stated organization heads in a release.
For many years, ratings of the awards show have dropped, although there was a small rise in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers watching from mobile devices and desktops.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "a key essential cultural touchstones" and said that teaming up with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated history".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since 1976, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.
This shift coincides with major studios confront complex corporate battles. These potential deals were seen as problematic for an business that has experienced severe reductions over the recent period.
Similar to major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the viewers has shifted towards streaming services instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that dependence on streaming sites will continue increasing.
