The Oscars Will Leave ABC and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start broadcasting solely on YouTube in 2029, representing the newest significant change in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, stating that it entered into a multi-year deal giving YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has aired for 50 years on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the show will be available as a free live stream on the digital platform.
It's a further substantial shakeup in Hollywood, which is navigating studio sales and mergers, in addition to severe reductions in filming.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this collaboration will enable us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership attainable - which will be positive for our Academy members and the film community," stated the Academy's executives in a statement.
Over decades, viewership of the televised event have fallen, though there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers streaming from smartphones and laptops.
In a corresponding announcement, the video platform's chief executive referred to the Oscars "one of our fundamental pillars of culture" and noted that working with the Academy would "motivate a younger cohort of innovation and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' illustrious history".
The broadcast network, which has televised the ceremony since 1976, stated that it was looking forward "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will continue to air.
This decision coincides with film industry giants confront challenging merger discussions. Both options were viewed as concerning for an industry that has seen drastic cuts over the past several years.
In common with big production houses, cable networks have faced issues as the public has chosen on-demand video as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining the license to the Oscars strongly indicates that dependence on online services will continue to grow.
