The Academy Awards to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the most recent significant shift in the film industry.
The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming that it finalized a extended contract giving YouTube the unique international license to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for March 15th, has aired for a half a century on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the event will be accessible as a free live stream on the digital platform.
It's a further substantial shakeup in Hollywood, which is grappling with studio sales and mergers, in addition to drastic reductions in filming.
"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this alliance will allow us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be beneficial for our membership and the film community," stated organization heads in a announcement.
Over decades, audience numbers of the televised event have fallen, even if there was a minor increase in 2025, with a considerable amount of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from mobile devices and laptops.
In a separate statement, the head of YouTube referred to the Oscars "among our vital cultural touchstones" and said that partnering with the Academy would "inspire a new generation of artistic expression and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated legacy".
The broadcast network, which has streamed the ceremony since the mid-1970s, said that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will continue to air.
The move follows film industry giants face intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were viewed as problematic for an industry that has witnessed drastic cuts over the recent period.
In common with big production houses, cable networks have struggled as the public has shifted towards streaming services as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Oscars clearly signals that dependence on streaming sites will carry on increasing.