The Academy Awards to Depart ABC and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will begin broadcasting solely on YouTube in 2029, representing the newest substantial change in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision 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 Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has been televised for 50 years on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the event will be accessible live and for free on the digital platform.
It's a further substantial restructuring in the entertainment world, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, along with drastic slashes to movie budgets.
"The Academy is an global institution, and this collaboration will allow us to increase availability to the mission of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd possible - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the movie industry," remarked organization heads in a release.
Over decades, ratings of the televised event have fallen, even if there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a considerable amount of youthful audiences tuning in from cell phones and laptops.
In a separate statement, the video platform's chief executive called the Oscars "a key vital cultural touchstones" and added that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a fresh wave of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since 1976, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to hosting the event three more times" it will still host.
This decision follows major studios face challenging merger discussions. These potential deals were seen as concerning for an industry that has witnessed significant downsizing over the past several years.
In common with big production houses, traditional TV channels have struggled as the viewers has shifted towards digital platforms instead.
YouTube winning broadcasting rights to the Oscars strongly indicates that dependence on online services will carry on to grow.
