The Oscars Will Leave Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Starting in 2029.

The Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on the global video platform in the year 2029, signaling the most recent major change in the film industry.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming that it finalized a multi-year deal awarding the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.

The Oscars, which is planned for March 15th, has aired for 50 years on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the event will be available as a free live stream on the digital platform.

This is another significant restructuring in Hollywood, which is dealing with company buyouts and fusions, along with steep slashes to movie budgets.

"The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience imaginable - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the cinematic world," stated organization heads in a release.

Throughout a long period, viewership of the ceremony have fallen, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers tuning in from smartphones and desktops.

In a related comment, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "one of our fundamental cultural touchstones" and said that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".

ABC, which has aired the awards since the mid-1970s, stated that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will continue to air.

This decision comes as film industry giants deal with intricate takeover attempts. Such proposals were viewed as concerning for an industry that has experienced significant downsizing over the last few years.

Similar to major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the audience has chosen streaming services instead.

YouTube obtaining the license to the Oscars further suggests that dependence on digital platforms will carry on to grow.