The Oscars Are Exiting ABC and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will commence streaming exclusively on the global video platform in the year 2029, representing the latest major shift in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on Wednesday, confirming that it entered into a multi-year deal giving the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, set for March 15th, has aired for a half a century on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the event will be available in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
This is a further significant shakeup in Hollywood, which is navigating corporate acquisitions and consolidations, in addition to steep slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this collaboration will allow us to broaden reach to the mission of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd imaginable - which will be positive for our film artists and the cinematic world," said Academy leadership in a statement.
For many years, viewership of the ceremony have declined, even if there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from mobile devices and computers.
In a separate statement, the video platform's chief executive referred to the Oscars "among our vital cultural touchstones" and said that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a fresh wave of artistic expression and cinema enthusiasts while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".
ABC, which has aired the awards since the mid-1970s, commented that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will still host.
This shift comes as film industry giants confront complex corporate battles. Both options were viewed as concerning for an sector that has seen drastic cuts over the recent period.
Similar to major studios, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the public has chosen streaming services instead.
YouTube winning broadcasting rights to the Oscars strongly indicates that the dominance of digital platforms will continue expanding.
