Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences plans digital-first future for Hollywood’s biggest night as viewing habits shift worldwide.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to make a historic shift in how the Oscars are delivered to global audiences, with plans to abandon traditional broadcast television and move the prestigious awards ceremony exclusively to YouTube from 2029.
The move signals a major transformation for the world’s most celebrated film awards, reflecting changing media consumption patterns and the growing dominance of digital platforms. For decades, the Oscars have been a staple of broadcast television, drawing millions of viewers annually through major networks. However, declining TV viewership and the rise of online streaming have prompted the Academy to rethink its long-term broadcast strategy.
By transitioning to YouTube, the Oscars aim to reach younger, more diverse, and global audiences who increasingly consume content on mobile devices and social media platforms rather than scheduled television programming. The shift is also expected to allow for greater interactivity, real-time audience engagement, behind-the-scenes access, and expanded global reach without the limitations of regional broadcast rights.
Industry analysts note that the move could redefine award show broadcasting, setting a precedent for other major entertainment events. YouTube’s global infrastructure offers the Academy the ability to stream the ceremony live across multiple countries simultaneously, while also providing on-demand access to highlights, speeches, and performances long after the event ends.
While details of the new digital partnership, including monetization models and regional access, have yet to be fully disclosed, the transition marks one of the most significant changes in the Oscars’ nearly century-long history. Advertisers and studios are expected to adapt their promotional strategies as the ceremony moves into a more data-driven and digitally measurable environment.
The planned 2029 shift underscores the Academy’s broader effort to modernize the Oscars and keep the ceremony culturally relevant in an era of rapidly evolving media landscapes. As Hollywood continues to grapple with changing audience behaviors, the Oscars’ move from broadcast television to YouTube represents a bold step toward redefining how global entertainment milestones are experienced.
Post a Comment