The Oscars ceremony will begin broadcasting solely on the global video platform in the year 2029, signaling the most recent significant transformation in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on this week, indicating that it finalized a multi-year deal granting YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for March 15th, has been televised for 50 years on ABC. Starting in 2029, the show will be accessible live and for free on YouTube.
It's a further significant shakeup in Hollywood, which is navigating corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with steep production cuts.
"The Academy is an international organization, and this collaboration will permit us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the most extensive international crowd attainable - which will be positive for our film artists and the cinematic world," remarked Academy leadership in a release.
Over decades, ratings of the awards show have declined, though there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of youthful audiences streaming from cell phones and desktops.
In a related comment, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "one of our essential cultural institutions" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "spark a younger cohort of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while remaining faithful to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".
The broadcast network, which has streamed the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was looking forward "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.
The move comes as major studios confront intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were seen as unfavourable for an business that has witnessed severe reductions over the recent period.
Like big production houses, cable networks have faced issues as the audience has shifted towards digital platforms instead.
YouTube winning broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards strongly indicates that dependence on online services will continue expanding.