The Oscars Will Leave ABC and Stream on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the latest significant transformation in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on this week, stating that it entered into a long-term agreement giving the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The awards show, set for 15 March, has aired for 50 years on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the show will be available as a free live stream on YouTube.
This is a further substantial shakeup in the entertainment world, which is dealing with company buyouts and fusions, in addition to steep slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this alliance will allow us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership imaginable - which will be beneficial for our film artists and the cinematic world," stated organization heads in a announcement.
For many years, audience numbers of the televised event have declined, though there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from cell phones and desktops.
In a corresponding announcement, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "among our vital cultural touchstones" and said that teaming up with the Academy would "inspire a younger cohort of artistic expression and film lovers while remaining faithful to the Oscars' celebrated history".
The broadcast network, which has televised the awards since 1976, stated that it was looking forward "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will retain rights for.
This decision follows major studios confront intricate takeover attempts. Both options were considered concerning for an business that has experienced severe reductions over the recent period.
Like big production houses, cable networks have faced issues as the public has increasingly opted for on-demand video as an alternative.
The platform securing the license to the Oscars clearly signals that the dominance of online services will persist expanding.
