The Oscars Are Exiting ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, representing the latest major shift in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on Wednesday, confirming that it finalized a extended contract granting the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The awards show, set for March 15th, has aired for five decades on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the show will be accessible as a free live stream on YouTube.
It's one more significant upheaval in the entertainment world, which is dealing with studio sales and mergers, in addition to drastic production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this partnership will permit us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd imaginable - which will be beneficial for our film artists and the film community," remarked Academy leadership in a announcement.
Over decades, audience numbers of the awards show have dropped, even if there was a small rise in 2025, with a notable portion of Gen Z and millennial watchers streaming from smartphones and computers.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "a key fundamental cultural touchstones" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "inspire a new generation of creativity and cinema enthusiasts while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated history".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since 1976, commented that it was looking forward "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.
This decision coincides with major studios face intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were viewed as concerning for an industry that has experienced drastic cuts over the past several years.
Similar to major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the viewers has shifted towards streaming services as an alternative.
YouTube winning rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that dependence on online services will persist expanding.
