The Oscars Are Exiting ABC and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, marking the latest significant transformation in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on this week, indicating that it entered into a multi-year deal giving YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The Oscars, set for 15 March, has been televised for 50 years on ABC. Starting in 2029, the show will be accessible as a free live stream on the digital platform.
This is one more significant upheaval in the entertainment world, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, in addition to steep reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an global institution, and this alliance will allow us to expand access to the activities of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd imaginable - which will be beneficial for our film artists and the movie industry," stated Academy leadership in a release.
For many years, audience numbers of the ceremony have declined, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences streaming from cell phones and computers.
In a related comment, the video platform's chief executive referred to the Oscars "among our fundamental cultural touchstones" and noted that partnering with the Academy would "inspire a new generation of artistic expression and movie fans while remaining faithful to the Oscars' celebrated history".
The broadcast network, which has streamed the awards since 1976, said that it was looking forward "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will retain rights for.
This decision coincides with major studios face intricate takeover attempts. Both options were viewed as concerning for an industry that has seen significant downsizing over the last few years.
In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the public has shifted towards on-demand video instead.
YouTube obtaining rights to the Oscars clearly signals that dependence on digital platforms will continue increasing.