The Academy Awards Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in the Year 2029.
The Academy Awards are set to start airing only on the global video platform in 2029, representing the newest substantial shift 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 awarding the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.
The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has been televised for a half a century on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the event will be accessible in real-time without charge on the digital platform.
It's another substantial restructuring in Hollywood, which is dealing with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with steep production cuts.
"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this alliance will permit us to expand access to the activities of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be positive for our film artists and the film community," remarked the Academy's executives in a announcement.
Over decades, ratings of the ceremony have dropped, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of Gen Z and millennial watchers watching from smartphones and desktops.
In a separate statement, the video platform's chief executive referred to the Oscars "a key essential cultural touchstones" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a fresh wave of creativity and movie fans while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated heritage".
ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since 1976, said that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will still host.
This shift coincides with film industry giants face challenging merger discussions. Both options were viewed as unfavourable for an business that has seen drastic cuts over the past several years.
In common with major studios, cable networks have encountered challenges as the audience has increasingly opted for on-demand video instead.
YouTube winning the license to the Oscars further suggests that the dominance of streaming sites will persist to grow.
