The Academy Awards Will Leave ABC and Broadcast Live on YouTube Starting in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, representing the most recent major change in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming that it finalized a extended contract granting the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, set for March 15th, has been broadcast for 50 years on ABC. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
It's another significant upheaval in the entertainment world, which is navigating company buyouts and fusions, in addition to steep production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this alliance will permit us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd attainable - which will be advantageous for our membership and the film community," said the Academy's executives in a announcement.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the awards show have dropped, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from mobile devices and desktops.
In a related comment, YouTube's CEO referred to the Oscars "a key vital pillars of culture" and said that working with the Academy would "spark a new generation of artistic expression and movie fans while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious legacy".
ABC, which has aired the ceremony since 1976, stated that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.
This decision follows film industry giants deal with complex corporate battles. These potential deals were seen as concerning for an sector that has experienced significant downsizing over the recent period.
In common with major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the public has chosen digital platforms instead.
YouTube winning rights to the Academy Awards strongly indicates that reliance on online services will persist to grow.
