The Academy Awards Will Leave ABC and Stream on the Video Platform Beginning in 2029.

The Oscars ceremony will begin airing only on YouTube in 2029, representing the newest major shift in Hollywood.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on this week, confirming that it finalized a extended contract granting YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars up to 2033.

The Oscars, set for March 15th, has been broadcast for five decades on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the event will be viewable in real-time without charge on the digital platform.

This is a further significant upheaval in the entertainment world, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, along with drastic production cuts.

"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this alliance will enable us to expand access to the activities of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be positive for our film artists and the movie industry," remarked Academy leadership in a announcement.

Over decades, audience numbers of the televised event have declined, although there was a small rise in 2025, with a notable portion of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from mobile devices and computers.

In a related comment, the video platform's chief executive described the Oscars "one of our vital cultural institutions" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a younger cohort of creativity and movie fans while adhering to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".

ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will still host.

The move comes as major studios confront intricate takeover attempts. Both options were seen as problematic for an business that has experienced drastic cuts over the last few years.

In common with major studios, traditional TV channels have struggled as the viewers has increasingly opted for streaming services instead.

YouTube obtaining rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that the dominance of digital platforms will persist increasing.