The Oscars to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony are set to start broadcasting solely on YouTube in the year 2029, representing the latest major shift in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on Wednesday, stating that it finalized a long-term agreement awarding the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, which is planned for March 15th, has been televised for five decades on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be accessible live and for free on YouTube.
This is one more significant upheaval in Hollywood, which is dealing with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with drastic reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an global institution, and this alliance will enable us to expand access 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 release.
Over decades, viewership of the televised event have dropped, though there was a small rise in 2025, with a notable portion of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from mobile devices and computers.
In a related comment, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "among our essential cultural institutions" and said that teaming up 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 aired the awards since 1976, stated that it was eagerly anticipating "to hosting the event three more times" it will retain rights for.
This shift coincides with major studios deal with challenging merger discussions. Such proposals were seen as problematic for an business that has seen severe reductions over the recent period.
In common with major studios, cable networks have encountered challenges as the public has shifted towards digital platforms as an alternative.
The platform securing broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that dependence on digital platforms will persist increasing.
