The Academy Awards Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Beginning in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards will begin airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, signaling the newest substantial transformation in Hollywood.
The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on this week, stating that it signed a long-term agreement granting the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has been broadcast for a half a century on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
This is another major restructuring in the entertainment world, which is navigating studio sales and mergers, along with severe production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this collaboration will permit us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership attainable - which will be advantageous for our Academy members and the film community," said the Academy's executives in a statement.
For many years, viewership of the televised event have dropped, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a notable portion of Gen Z and millennial watchers streaming from cell phones and laptops.
In a related comment, the video platform's chief executive described the Oscars "among our vital cultural touchstones" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "spark a younger cohort of innovation and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated history".
ABC, which has streamed the awards since 1976, said that it was looking forward "to the next three telecasts" it will retain rights for.
The move comes as large entertainment companies confront intricate takeover attempts. Both options were considered concerning for an industry that has seen severe reductions over the last few years.
In common with big production houses, cable networks have encountered challenges as the audience has shifted towards digital platforms instead.
YouTube winning rights to the Oscars further suggests that the dominance of digital platforms will continue increasing.
