The Academy Awards Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will begin streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, representing the most recent significant change in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on this week, stating that it entered into a extended contract awarding YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The awards show, set for March 15th, has been broadcast for a half a century on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the show will be accessible live and for free on the digital platform.
It's one more significant upheaval in the entertainment world, which is dealing with studio sales and mergers, in addition to severe slashes to movie budgets.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this alliance will permit us to increase availability to the mission of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd imaginable - which will be positive for our Academy members and the film community," remarked Academy leadership in a announcement.
Throughout a long period, viewership of the televised event have fallen, even if there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a considerable amount of youthful audiences tuning in from cell phones and laptops.
In a corresponding announcement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "among our vital pillars of culture" and added that working with the Academy would "spark a new generation of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' storied history".
The broadcast network, which has televised the awards 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 challenging merger discussions. These potential deals were considered unfavourable for an sector that has seen significant downsizing over the last few years.
In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the audience has chosen on-demand video instead.
YouTube winning the license to the Oscars clearly signals that the dominance of digital platforms will continue expanding.
