The Oscars Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start broadcasting solely on YouTube in 2029, marking the most recent major change in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, confirming that it signed a long-term agreement awarding the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, which is planned for 15 March, has aired for five decades on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be available in real-time without charge on YouTube.
It's a further significant shakeup in the entertainment world, which is dealing with studio sales and mergers, along with drastic production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this partnership will permit us to broaden reach to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be beneficial for our membership and the film community," said organization heads in a statement.
Throughout a long period, viewership of the televised event have fallen, although there was a small rise in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers watching from mobile devices and desktops.
In a related comment, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "among our essential cultural touchstones" and added that partnering with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of creativity and cinema enthusiasts while remaining faithful to the Oscars' illustrious legacy".
The broadcast network, which has aired the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will continue to air.
The move follows major studios deal with complex corporate battles. Both options were seen as problematic for an business that has experienced significant downsizing over the last few years.
Similar to major studios, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the viewers has chosen on-demand video as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that the dominance of digital platforms will persist expanding.