The Oscars Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the latest substantial change in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on Wednesday, stating that it finalized a multi-year deal awarding YouTube the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, set for March 15th, has been broadcast for five decades on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be available in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
This is another major restructuring in the entertainment world, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with severe reductions in filming.
"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this collaboration will allow us to increase availability to the mission of the Academy to the biggest global viewership imaginable - which will be advantageous for our film artists and the film community," said Academy leadership in a statement.
Throughout a long period, viewership of the televised event have fallen, even if there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from mobile devices and laptops.
In a related comment, the video platform's chief executive called the Oscars "one of our vital pillars of culture" and noted that working with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of innovation and movie fans while remaining faithful to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".
The broadcast network, which has streamed the awards since the mid-1970s, said that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will continue to air.
This decision follows large entertainment companies face intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were seen as concerning for an industry that has experienced drastic cuts over the recent period.
Similar to big production houses, traditional TV channels have struggled as the public has chosen on-demand video instead.
YouTube obtaining rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that the dominance of online services will carry on expanding.
