The Oscars Will Leave ABC and Stream on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.

The Oscars ceremony will begin airing only on the global video platform in the year 2029, representing the latest substantial shift in Hollywood.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, indicating that it entered into a multi-year deal granting the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars up to 2033.

The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has been broadcast for five decades on ABC. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be viewable live and for free on YouTube.

It's another substantial restructuring in the entertainment world, 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 enable us to expand access to the activities of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the cinematic world," remarked Academy leadership in a statement.

Throughout a long period, audience numbers of the televised event have declined, though there was a small rise in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers watching from smartphones and desktops.

In a related comment, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "a key vital cultural touchstones" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "spark a new generation of creativity and movie fans while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated legacy".

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

The move coincides with film industry giants face challenging merger discussions. Such proposals were viewed as unfavourable for an sector that has seen significant downsizing over the recent period.

In common with big production houses, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the public has shifted towards digital platforms as an alternative.

The platform securing the license to the Academy Awards clearly signals that the dominance of digital platforms will carry on increasing.