The Academy Awards Are Exiting ABC and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will commence airing only on the global video platform in 2029, representing the most recent significant transformation in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on this week, stating that it signed a extended contract awarding YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The Oscars, scheduled for 15 March, has been broadcast for five decades on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be accessible live and for free on the digital platform.
It's a further significant restructuring in the entertainment world, which is dealing with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with drastic reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this collaboration will enable us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd possible - which will be beneficial for our film artists and the cinematic world," stated organization heads in a announcement.
Over decades, viewership of the awards show have declined, even if there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers watching from smartphones and computers.
In a corresponding announcement, the head of YouTube referred to the Oscars "among our vital pillars of culture" and noted that partnering with the Academy would "spark a fresh wave of creativity and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated legacy".
ABC, which has televised the awards since 1976, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will continue to air.
This decision comes as major studios face intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were seen as concerning for an sector that has experienced drastic cuts over the recent period.
In common with big production houses, cable networks have struggled as the viewers has chosen streaming services as an alternative.
YouTube winning rights to the Oscars clearly signals that dependence on streaming sites will carry on to grow.