The Oscars to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.

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The Oscars ceremony are set to start airing only on YouTube in 2029, marking the newest major shift in Hollywood.

The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on this week, stating that it signed a long-term agreement giving the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars up to 2033.

The awards show, which is planned for March 15th, has been televised for five decades on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable in real-time without charge on YouTube.

It's another substantial shakeup in the entertainment world, which is dealing with studio sales and mergers, along with severe production cuts.

"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this alliance will enable us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be positive for our Academy members and the movie industry," stated organization heads in a announcement.

For many years, viewership of the awards show have dropped, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of Gen Z and millennial watchers watching from mobile devices and laptops.

In a related comment, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "among our fundamental pillars of culture" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a fresh wave of innovation and movie fans while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".

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

This decision comes as large entertainment companies face challenging merger discussions. Both options were seen as concerning for an sector that has witnessed drastic cuts over the past several years.

Like major studios, cable networks have encountered challenges as the viewers has chosen on-demand video instead.

The platform securing the license to the Oscars strongly indicates that reliance on online services will carry on to grow.

Lisa Brown
Lisa Brown

A passionate writer and life coach who shares insights on personal growth, mindfulness, and finding joy in everyday moments.