The Oscars to Depart ABC and Broadcast Live on YouTube Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards will begin airing only on the global video platform in 2029, marking the newest substantial transformation in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on Wednesday, indicating that it signed a multi-year deal granting the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars up to 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for March 15th, has been televised for a half a century on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the show will be available in real-time without charge on YouTube.
This is a further significant shakeup in the entertainment world, which is dealing with studio sales and mergers, coupled with steep production cuts.
"The Academy is an international organization, and this collaboration will permit us to broaden reach to the activities of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd imaginable - which will be positive for our Academy members and the movie industry," remarked organization heads in a release.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the ceremony have dropped, even if there was a small rise in 2025, with a significant number of younger viewers tuning in from cell phones and desktops.
In a related comment, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "one of our fundamental cultural touchstones" and added that partnering with the Academy would "inspire a younger cohort of creativity and movie fans while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious legacy".
ABC, which has televised the awards since 1976, said that it was eagerly anticipating "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will retain rights for.
This shift coincides with major studios deal with intricate takeover attempts. Both options were viewed as concerning for an business that has seen severe reductions over the past several years.
Similar to major studios, cable networks have struggled as the viewers has shifted towards streaming services as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that the dominance of digital platforms will carry on increasing.