The Oscars Will Leave ABC and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will begin broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, marking the latest major transformation in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on this week, stating that it finalized a extended contract granting the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The Oscars, set for March 15th, has been broadcast for a half a century on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
This is a further substantial restructuring in the entertainment world, which is navigating company buyouts and fusions, coupled with steep production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this partnership will allow us to broaden reach to the activities of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd attainable - which will be positive for our Academy members and the cinematic world," stated Academy leadership in a release.
For many years, audience numbers of the ceremony have dropped, even if there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers watching from cell phones and laptops.
In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural touchstones" and noted that working with the Academy would "inspire a younger cohort of innovation and movie fans while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".
ABC, which has aired the awards since 1976, stated that it was eagerly anticipating "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will continue to air.
This decision coincides with major studios face challenging merger discussions. These potential deals were seen as problematic for an business that has experienced severe reductions over the past several years.
Like big production houses, traditional TV channels have struggled as the public has shifted towards on-demand video instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that the dominance of digital platforms will persist expanding.
