The Academy Awards Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Stream on the Video Platform Starting in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, marking the latest substantial change in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming that it signed a extended contract giving the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for March 15th, has aired for five decades on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the show will be viewable in real-time without charge on YouTube.
It's a further major upheaval in the entertainment world, which is navigating studio sales and mergers, in addition to severe slashes to movie budgets.
"The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will enable us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership attainable - which will be positive for our film artists and the film community," said Academy leadership in a release.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the televised event have dropped, even if there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of Gen Z and millennial watchers watching from cell phones and computers.
In a related comment, the head of YouTube described the Oscars "a key vital pillars of culture" and added that partnering with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of innovation and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".
ABC, which has aired the awards since 1976, said that it was looking forward "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will retain rights for.
This decision coincides with major studios face intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were considered concerning for an industry that has experienced significant downsizing over the last few years.
In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the public has shifted towards streaming services as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining the license to the Oscars further suggests that reliance on streaming sites will carry on expanding.