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The Academy Awards are set to start airing only on YouTube in 2029, marking the most recent significant shift in Hollywood.

The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on this week, stating that it finalized a extended contract giving YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.

The Oscars, scheduled for March 15th, has been televised for five decades on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the show will be accessible as a free live stream on the digital platform.

This is another substantial shakeup in Hollywood, which is navigating corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with steep production cuts.

"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this alliance will enable us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be beneficial for our membership and the film community," stated organization heads in a announcement.

For many years, viewership of the televised event have fallen, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers tuning in from mobile devices and desktops.

In a related comment, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "among our vital cultural institutions" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of creativity and cinema enthusiasts while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated legacy".

The broadcast network, which has streamed the awards since 1976, stated that it was looking forward "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will retain rights for.

The move follows large entertainment companies face complex corporate battles. Such proposals were considered concerning for an sector that has experienced severe reductions over the recent period.

Like big production houses, cable networks have encountered challenges as the public has increasingly opted for on-demand video as an alternative.

The platform securing rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that reliance on streaming sites will continue increasing.