The Oscars to Depart ABC and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the most recent substantial transformation in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on this week, stating that it finalized a multi-year deal awarding the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for March 15th, has been broadcast for five decades on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the show will be available in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
This is a further major upheaval in the entertainment world, which is dealing with company buyouts and fusions, in addition to steep production cuts.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this alliance will permit us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience imaginable - which will be positive for our Academy members and the film community," stated organization heads in a statement.
For many years, audience numbers of the ceremony have declined, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a considerable amount of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from mobile devices and computers.
In a corresponding announcement, YouTube's CEO referred to the Oscars "among our fundamental pillars of culture" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a younger cohort of creativity and film lovers while remaining faithful to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".
ABC, which has televised the ceremony since 1976, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will still host.
This shift follows large entertainment companies deal with complex corporate battles. Both options were viewed as unfavourable for an industry that has experienced drastic cuts over the recent period.
Like major studios, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the audience has increasingly opted for digital platforms instead.
The platform securing the license to the Oscars strongly indicates that reliance on streaming sites will carry on increasing.