The Oscars Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in the Year 2029.

Placeholder Oscars Statuette

The Academy Awards are set to start broadcasting solely on the global video platform in the year 2029, marking the newest substantial change in Hollywood.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on Wednesday, confirming that it entered into a long-term agreement giving YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.

The Oscars, which is planned for March 15th, has aired for 50 years on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable as a free live stream on YouTube.

This is one more substantial upheaval in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, coupled with steep reductions in filming.

"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this collaboration will permit us to broaden reach to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be advantageous for our film artists and the film community," said organization heads in a announcement.

For many years, audience numbers of the televised event have fallen, even if there was a minor increase in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers watching from smartphones and desktops.

In a separate statement, the head of YouTube referred to the Oscars "one of our fundamental pillars of culture" and added that working with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of creativity and movie fans while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated legacy".

The broadcast network, which has televised the awards since the mid-1970s, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to hosting the event three more times" it will retain rights for.

The move coincides with film industry giants confront complex corporate battles. These potential deals were considered problematic for an business that has experienced drastic cuts over the past several years.

Like major studios, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the viewers has shifted towards on-demand video as an alternative.

The platform securing broadcasting rights to the Oscars further suggests that the dominance of digital platforms will carry on expanding.

Margaret Guzman
Margaret Guzman

Elara is a tech journalist and business strategist with over a decade of experience covering digital transformation and startup ecosystems across Europe.