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The Oscars ceremony will begin airing only on YouTube in 2029, signaling the newest substantial change in Hollywood.

The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on this week, confirming that it entered into a extended contract giving the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars up to 2033.

The Oscars, scheduled for 15 March, has aired for 50 years on ABC. Commencing in 2029, the ceremony will be accessible as a free live stream on the digital platform.

This is one more substantial restructuring in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, coupled with drastic reductions in filming.

"The Academy is an global institution, and this collaboration will permit us to increase availability to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be positive for our film artists and the film community," said organization heads in a statement.

Over decades, audience numbers of the televised event have declined, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers watching from mobile devices and laptops.

In a related comment, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "one of our essential cultural touchstones" and said that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of creativity and cinema enthusiasts while adhering to the Oscars' celebrated history".

ABC, which has streamed the awards since 1976, stated that it was looking forward "to hosting the event three more times" it will still host.

The move coincides with major studios confront complex corporate battles. Both options were seen as problematic for an sector that has experienced severe reductions over the recent period.

In common with major studios, cable networks have encountered challenges as the viewers has increasingly opted for digital platforms instead.

YouTube obtaining broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that the dominance of digital platforms will persist increasing.