The Academy Awards to Depart Broadcast TV and Stream on YouTube Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, representing the latest significant shift in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, indicating that it signed a multi-year deal granting the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has been televised for five decades on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable live and for free on the digital platform.
This is another significant shakeup in the entertainment world, which is dealing with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, along with severe production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this partnership will permit us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be advantageous for our membership and the film community," said organization heads in a announcement.
Over decades, ratings of the televised event have declined, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a significant number of younger viewers tuning in from smartphones and desktops.
In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "a key fundamental pillars of culture" and added that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of creativity and movie fans while staying true to the Oscars' storied legacy".
The broadcast network, which has aired the ceremony since 1976, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will retain rights for.
This decision follows large entertainment companies face complex corporate battles. These potential deals were considered concerning for an business that has witnessed severe reductions over the past several years.
In common with major studios, cable networks have struggled as the viewers has chosen on-demand video instead.
YouTube winning the license to the Oscars further suggests that dependence on digital platforms will carry on increasing.