The Academy Awards Are Exiting ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, representing the latest major change in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on Wednesday, indicating that it finalized a extended contract giving YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has been broadcast for 50 years on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be available in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
This is a further major upheaval in the entertainment world, which is navigating corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with steep reductions in filming.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this collaboration will enable us to broaden reach to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be positive for our membership and the film community," remarked the Academy's executives in a statement.
Over decades, audience numbers of the televised event have dropped, although there was a small rise in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences tuning in from mobile devices and laptops.
In a separate statement, the video platform's chief executive called the Oscars "one of our essential cultural institutions" and said that teaming up with the Academy would "spark a fresh wave of artistic expression and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' storied history".
ABC, which has aired the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will still host.
This shift follows major studios deal with complex corporate battles. Both options were viewed as unfavourable for an business that has seen drastic cuts over the recent period.
Similar to big production houses, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the public has increasingly opted for digital platforms instead.
The platform securing rights to the Oscars further suggests that dependence on online services will continue expanding.
