The Academy Awards to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.
The Oscars ceremony will commence broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the latest substantial shift in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on this week, stating that it signed a long-term agreement awarding the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for March 15th, has aired for 50 years on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the event will be accessible live and for free on the digital platform.
This is one more significant restructuring in Hollywood, which is grappling with studio sales and mergers, in addition to severe slashes to movie budgets.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this collaboration will enable us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience imaginable - which will be advantageous for our membership and the film community," stated the Academy's executives in a statement.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the televised event have declined, even if there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences streaming from mobile devices and laptops.
In a related comment, YouTube's CEO referred to the Oscars "among our essential cultural touchstones" and said that teaming up with the Academy would "spark a new generation of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while adhering to the Oscars' storied heritage".
The broadcast network, which has aired the awards since the mid-1970s, stated that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will still host.
The move follows large entertainment companies confront complex corporate battles. Both options were considered problematic for an industry that has experienced severe reductions over the past several years.
Like major studios, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the audience has chosen digital platforms instead.
The platform securing the license to the Oscars clearly signals that reliance on online services will continue to grow.
