The Academy Awards to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, representing the latest significant shift in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on Wednesday, indicating that it finalized a extended contract granting the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars until 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for March 15th, has been broadcast for a half a century on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable live and for free on YouTube.
This is one more substantial restructuring in the entertainment world, which is grappling with studio sales and mergers, in addition to steep reductions in filming.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this collaboration will allow us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be advantageous for our Academy members and the film community," remarked Academy leadership in a announcement.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the ceremony have fallen, even if there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers watching from mobile devices and computers.
In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO referred to the Oscars "one of our fundamental cultural institutions" and noted that working with the Academy would "inspire a new generation of artistic expression and cinema enthusiasts while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated history".
The broadcast network, which has aired the ceremony since the mid-1970s, said that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will still host.
The move comes as film industry giants deal with intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were viewed as concerning for an industry that has witnessed severe reductions over the last few years.
In common with major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the public has chosen digital platforms instead.
YouTube winning rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that reliance on streaming sites will persist increasing.
