🔗 Share this article

The Oscars ceremony will begin airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, representing the newest major change in the film industry.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, confirming that it finalized a long-term agreement giving the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.

The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has been broadcast for a half a century on ABC. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable as a free live stream on the digital platform.

This is another major restructuring in the entertainment world, which is navigating company buyouts and fusions, in addition to steep reductions in filming.

"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this collaboration will allow us to increase availability to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience imaginable - which will be advantageous for our film artists and the cinematic world," stated the Academy's executives in a statement.

Over decades, viewership of the televised event have fallen, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a considerable amount of youthful audiences watching from mobile devices and computers.

In a related comment, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "among our vital cultural institutions" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of artistic expression and cinema enthusiasts while remaining faithful to the Oscars' celebrated history".

ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.

This shift coincides with large entertainment companies confront intricate takeover attempts. These potential deals were considered concerning for an sector that has witnessed severe reductions over the past several years.

In common with big production houses, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the viewers has shifted towards streaming services instead.

YouTube obtaining the license to the Academy Awards clearly signals that dependence on digital platforms will persist to grow.