🔗 Share this article The Oscars Will Leave ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in the Year 2029. The Oscars ceremony will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, representing the newest significant transformation in the film industry. The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on this week, indicating that it signed a multi-year deal granting the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033. The Oscars, scheduled for March 15th, has been televised for 50 years on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable live and for free on YouTube. It's another major restructuring in Hollywood, which is navigating corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with steep reductions in filming. "Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this collaboration will allow us to expand access to the activities of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community," stated Academy leadership in a release. Throughout a long period, audience numbers of the awards show have declined, though there was a small rise in recent years, with a considerable amount of youthful audiences watching from smartphones and desktops. In a separate statement, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "one of our vital cultural touchstones" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "inspire a younger cohort of innovation and movie fans while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated legacy". ABC, which has televised the ceremony since 1976, said that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will retain rights for. The move comes as film industry giants face intricate takeover attempts. These potential deals were seen as problematic for an industry that has seen severe reductions over the recent period. In common with big production houses, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the viewers has shifted towards digital platforms as an alternative. YouTube winning rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that dependence on streaming sites will carry on increasing.