The Oscars Are Exiting ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will begin streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, marking the newest substantial shift in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, indicating that it finalized a multi-year deal granting YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has aired for a half a century on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the event will be available live and for free on YouTube.
This is a further substantial restructuring in Hollywood, which is dealing with company buyouts and fusions, coupled with steep reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this partnership will permit us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership attainable - which will be advantageous for our membership and the cinematic world," remarked organization heads in a release.
Over decades, audience numbers of the awards show have declined, even if there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a significant number of youthful audiences streaming from mobile devices and desktops.
In a separate statement, the video platform's chief executive described the Oscars "a key vital pillars of culture" and said that working with the Academy would "spark a fresh wave of artistic expression and movie fans while staying true to the Oscars' storied heritage".
The broadcast network, which has aired the ceremony since 1976, said that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.
The move follows major studios face intricate takeover attempts. These potential deals were considered concerning for an industry that has seen severe reductions over the recent period.
Similar to big production houses, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the public has chosen streaming services as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining rights to the Academy Awards strongly indicates that dependence on online services will persist expanding.
