The Academy Awards to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start broadcasting solely on the global video platform in the year 2029, marking the latest major change in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on this week, stating that it entered into a multi-year deal granting the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, set for March 15th, has aired for a half a century on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be accessible in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
It's another major restructuring in Hollywood, which is navigating company buyouts and fusions, in addition to severe production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this partnership will enable us to broaden reach to the activities of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the cinematic world," stated Academy leadership in a statement.
Throughout a long period, viewership of the awards show have declined, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a considerable amount of Gen Z and millennial watchers streaming from smartphones and desktops.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural touchstones" and added that working with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of innovation and movie fans while remaining faithful to the Oscars' storied heritage".
The broadcast network, which has televised the ceremony since 1976, said that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will retain rights for.
The move coincides with large entertainment companies confront intricate takeover attempts. These potential deals were considered unfavourable for an business that has seen severe reductions over the recent period.
Similar to big production houses, traditional TV channels have struggled as the viewers has increasingly opted for digital platforms as an alternative.
The platform securing rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that the dominance of digital platforms will carry on increasing.
