The Academy Awards Are Exiting Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in 2029.

The Oscars ceremony will commence streaming exclusively on the global video platform in the year 2029, signaling the latest significant change in Hollywood.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on Wednesday, stating that it signed a multi-year deal giving the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.

The awards show, scheduled for 15 March, has aired for five decades on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the ceremony will be available live and for free on the digital platform.

It's another major upheaval in Hollywood, which is dealing with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, in addition to drastic slashes to movie budgets.

"Our Academy represents an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to broaden reach to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be positive for our membership and the film community," remarked Academy leadership in a statement.

For many years, ratings of the televised event have dropped, although there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers tuning in from mobile devices and laptops.

In a corresponding announcement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "among our vital pillars of culture" and noted that working with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of artistic expression and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious legacy".

ABC, which has streamed the ceremony since 1976, stated that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will continue to air.

This shift comes as large entertainment companies confront challenging merger discussions. These potential deals were considered unfavourable for an industry that has seen severe reductions over the last few years.

Like big production houses, cable networks have faced issues as the viewers has increasingly opted for digital platforms instead.

The platform securing broadcasting rights to the Oscars strongly indicates that reliance on digital platforms will continue increasing.