The Academy Awards to Depart ABC and Stream on YouTube Beginning in 2029.

The Academy Awards are set to start streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, marking the newest major change in Hollywood.

The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on this week, confirming that it entered into a extended contract awarding YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars up to 2033.

The awards show, set for 15 March, has been televised for five decades on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the ceremony will be available in real-time without charge on YouTube.

It's one more substantial upheaval in the entertainment world, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, coupled with drastic reductions in filming.

"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this collaboration will permit us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the cinematic world," stated Academy leadership in a release.

Throughout a long period, viewership of the awards show have dropped, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers watching from mobile devices and computers.

In a related comment, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "a key essential pillars of culture" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "spark a new generation of innovation and film lovers while adhering to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".

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

This decision comes as major studios face complex corporate battles. These potential deals were viewed as unfavourable for an business that has experienced severe reductions over the recent period.

In common with big production houses, cable networks have encountered challenges as the audience has chosen streaming services instead.

The platform securing rights to the Oscars clearly signals that the dominance of streaming sites will continue to grow.