The Academy Awards Will Leave ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will commence streaming exclusively on the global video platform in the year 2029, marking the latest major change in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on this week, stating that it entered into a long-term agreement giving the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The awards show, set for March 15th, has aired for 50 years on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the show will be accessible in real-time without charge on YouTube.
It's one more major restructuring in the entertainment world, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with severe reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will enable us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be positive for our film artists and the cinematic world," remarked organization heads in a release.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the awards show have dropped, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers watching from mobile devices and computers.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube referred to the Oscars "a key essential cultural institutions" and added that partnering with the Academy would "spark a new generation of creativity and cinema enthusiasts while remaining faithful to the Oscars' illustrious legacy".
The broadcast network, which has aired the ceremony since the mid-1970s, stated that it was eagerly anticipating "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will still host.
This shift comes as film industry giants deal with intricate takeover attempts. Both options were seen as problematic for an industry that has experienced severe reductions over the recent period.
Similar to major studios, traditional TV channels have struggled as the viewers has shifted towards streaming services instead.
YouTube obtaining rights to the Oscars clearly signals that reliance on digital platforms will continue increasing.
