The Oscars Are Exiting ABC and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.
The Academy Awards will commence streaming exclusively on the global video platform in 2029, representing the newest significant transformation in Hollywood.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on this week, stating that it finalized a extended contract granting the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.
The awards show, set for March 15th, has been broadcast for 50 years on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the ceremony will be available as a free live stream on the digital platform.
It's another substantial upheaval in the entertainment world, which is dealing with studio sales and mergers, coupled with severe reductions in filming.
"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this partnership will permit us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership imaginable - which will be positive for our membership and the film community," said the Academy's executives in a statement.
For many years, audience numbers of the awards show have dropped, though there was a small rise in 2025, with a significant number of youthful audiences tuning in from smartphones and laptops.
In a related comment, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "among our essential pillars of culture" and noted that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a fresh wave of innovation and cinema enthusiasts while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".
The broadcast network, which has streamed the awards since 1976, commented that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will still host.
This decision comes as film industry giants confront intricate takeover attempts. These potential deals were viewed as unfavourable for an industry that has seen significant downsizing over the past several years.
Like big production houses, cable networks have struggled as the viewers has increasingly opted for digital platforms as an alternative.
The platform securing the license to the Oscars further suggests that the dominance of digital platforms will persist to grow.
