The Academy Awards are set to start broadcasting solely on the global video platform in the year 2029, signaling the newest major change in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on Wednesday, indicating that it entered into a multi-year deal awarding the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, set for March 15th, has aired for five decades on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable in real-time without charge on YouTube.
It's one more substantial restructuring in Hollywood, which is navigating studio sales and mergers, coupled with drastic reductions in filming.
"The Academy is an global institution, and this partnership will allow us to increase availability to the activities of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience imaginable - which will be positive for our membership and the film community," stated Academy leadership in a statement.
Throughout a long period, ratings of the awards show have declined, even if there was a minor increase in 2025, with a considerable amount of youthful audiences watching from cell phones and computers.
In a related comment, the video platform's chief executive called the Oscars "among our vital pillars of culture" and said that working with the Academy would "motivate a younger cohort of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while adhering to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".
ABC, which has aired the awards since the mid-1970s, said that it was eagerly anticipating "to hosting the event three more times" it will still host.
This decision comes as film industry giants confront challenging merger discussions. These potential deals were considered concerning for an industry that has experienced significant downsizing over the recent period.
Similar to big production houses, cable networks have struggled as the viewers has shifted towards on-demand video instead.
YouTube winning broadcasting rights to the Oscars strongly indicates that the dominance of online services will continue increasing.
Lena is a passionate gamer and tech writer, specializing in indie games and esports coverage.
Mrs. Mindy Carey
Mrs. Mindy Carey
Mrs. Mindy Carey
Mrs. Mindy Carey