The Oscars Will Leave ABC and Stream on YouTube Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the most recent substantial transformation in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on Wednesday, stating that it entered into a multi-year deal giving YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has been broadcast for five decades on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be available live and for free on YouTube.
It's one more substantial upheaval in Hollywood, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with drastic production cuts.
"The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be positive for our Academy members and the film community," stated Academy leadership in a announcement.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the awards show have dropped, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from smartphones and computers.
In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural institutions" and noted that working with the Academy would "inspire a younger cohort of artistic expression and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious legacy".
ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since 1976, said that it was eagerly anticipating "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will still host.
This shift follows film industry giants deal with challenging merger discussions. These potential deals were seen as problematic for an sector that has witnessed drastic cuts over the past several years.
In common with major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the audience has shifted towards digital platforms as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining the license to the Academy Awards clearly signals that reliance on digital platforms will persist increasing.