The Academy Awards Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on the Video Platform Starting in 2029.
The Academy Awards will begin broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the most recent significant transformation in the film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on Wednesday, confirming that it signed a extended contract giving the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars up to 2033.
The awards show, which is planned for 15 March, has been televised for 50 years on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the event will be available as a free live stream on the digital platform.
This is a further significant restructuring in the entertainment world, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, along with steep production cuts.
"The Academy is an international organization, and this alliance will allow us to increase availability to the activities of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience imaginable - which will be positive for our film artists and the movie industry," said organization heads in a release.
Over decades, viewership of the awards show have declined, although there was a small rise in 2025, with a notable portion of Gen Z and millennial watchers watching from mobile devices and computers.
In a related comment, the video platform's chief executive called the Oscars "among our essential cultural institutions" and said that working with the Academy would "spark a younger cohort of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious history".
The broadcast network, which has televised the awards since 1976, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to the next three telecasts" it will continue to air.
This shift follows large entertainment companies deal with challenging merger discussions. Both options were seen as concerning for an business that has witnessed severe reductions over the recent period.
Similar to major studios, cable networks have encountered challenges as the public has shifted towards streaming services as an alternative.
YouTube obtaining rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that dependence on online services will continue expanding.
