The Academy Awards Are Exiting ABC and Stream on YouTube Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will commence streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, representing the newest substantial transformation in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on Wednesday, stating that it signed a extended contract granting the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has aired for five decades on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the show will be viewable as a free live stream on the digital platform.
It's one more major upheaval in Hollywood, which is navigating studio sales and mergers, in addition to drastic slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this alliance will permit us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd imaginable - which will be positive for our film artists and the cinematic world," stated Academy leadership in a statement.
Over decades, viewership of the ceremony have dropped, though there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers watching from mobile devices and computers.
In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO referred to the Oscars "a key essential cultural institutions" and added that working with the Academy would "spark a fresh wave of innovation and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' storied heritage".
ABC, which has televised the awards since the mid-1970s, commented that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.
This shift comes as film industry giants confront challenging merger discussions. Both options were seen as unfavourable for an industry that has witnessed severe reductions over the last few years.
Like major studios, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the public has shifted towards streaming services as an alternative.
YouTube winning the license to the Academy Awards further suggests that reliance on digital platforms will continue increasing.
