The Academy Awards Are Exiting ABC and Stream on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence airing only on the global video platform in 2029, marking the most recent substantial transformation in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that it entered into a multi-year deal giving the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, which is planned for 15 March, has aired for five decades on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the show will be accessible in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
It's one more significant shakeup in the entertainment world, which is dealing with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, in addition to drastic production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this partnership will permit us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be positive for our membership and the film community," stated Academy leadership in a statement.
For many years, ratings of the ceremony have declined, although there was a small rise in 2025, with a significant number of youthful audiences watching from mobile devices and computers.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube described the Oscars "among our essential cultural institutions" and said that teaming up with the Academy would "spark a fresh wave of innovation and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated history".
ABC, which has televised the ceremony since 1976, said that it was eagerly anticipating "to hosting the event three more times" it will retain rights for.
The move coincides with major studios deal with intricate takeover attempts. These potential deals were considered concerning for an business that has seen drastic cuts over the past several years.
Like major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the public has chosen on-demand video instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that the dominance of online services will persist increasing.