The Oscars to Depart ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start streaming exclusively on the global video platform in the year 2029, marking the most recent major change in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that it finalized a long-term agreement giving the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has been broadcast for 50 years on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the event will be available in real-time without charge on YouTube.
It's a further major upheaval in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, coupled with steep slashes to movie budgets.
"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this collaboration will allow us to expand access to the activities of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd imaginable - which will be advantageous for our Academy members and the movie industry," said the Academy's executives in a announcement.
For many years, audience numbers of the televised event have declined, even if there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences watching from mobile devices and computers.
In a corresponding announcement, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "one of our essential cultural institutions" and said that working with the Academy would "spark a younger cohort of innovation and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated legacy".
ABC, which has televised the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will continue to air.
The move coincides with film industry giants face intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were viewed as unfavourable for an business that has experienced significant downsizing over the past several years.
Similar to big production houses, cable networks have struggled as the public has increasingly opted for streaming services instead.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Oscars clearly signals that dependence on streaming sites will continue increasing.
