The Academy Awards to Depart ABC and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.

The Academy Awards are set to start broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, signaling the newest major transformation in Hollywood.

The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on this week, confirming that it entered into a extended contract awarding YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars up to 2033.

The Oscars, set for March 15th, has aired for 50 years on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the show will be viewable as a free live stream on YouTube.

It's another major shakeup in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, in addition to severe slashes to movie budgets.

"The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will enable us to expand access to the activities of the Academy to the biggest global viewership imaginable - which will be beneficial for our membership and the movie industry," remarked Academy leadership in a announcement.

For many years, viewership of the televised event have dropped, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of youthful audiences tuning in from cell phones and desktops.

In a separate statement, the head of YouTube described the Oscars "one of our fundamental pillars of culture" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of artistic expression and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".

ABC, which has televised the awards since the mid-1970s, stated that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will continue to air.

The move follows large entertainment companies face complex corporate battles. Both options were seen as concerning for an industry that has seen drastic cuts over the past several years.

Similar to major studios, traditional TV channels have struggled as the public has shifted towards streaming services instead.

YouTube obtaining the license to the Oscars further suggests that reliance on digital platforms will persist to grow.