The Academy Awards Are Exiting ABC and Stream on YouTube Beginning in 2029.

The Academy Awards will commence broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, representing the most recent major change in the film industry.

The organization behind the Oscars declared the decision on Wednesday, stating that it finalized a long-term agreement giving YouTube the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars until 2033.

The awards show, scheduled for March 15th, has been broadcast for a half a century on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the ceremony will be accessible as a free live stream on the digital platform.

It's another substantial upheaval in Hollywood, which is dealing with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, along with drastic production cuts.

"The Academy is an global institution, and this partnership will permit us to expand access to the mission of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be advantageous for our Academy members and the cinematic world," said organization heads in a statement.

For many years, audience numbers of the ceremony have fallen, though there was a small rise in 2025, with a notable portion of Gen Z and millennial watchers tuning in from smartphones and laptops.

In a related comment, the head of YouTube called the Oscars "among our fundamental pillars of culture" and added that working with the Academy would "inspire a fresh wave of innovation and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' storied legacy".

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

This decision comes as film industry giants confront complex corporate battles. Both options were viewed as problematic for an sector that has seen drastic cuts over the past several years.

Similar to big production houses, traditional TV channels have faced issues as the viewers has shifted towards streaming services as an alternative.

The platform securing rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that the dominance of digital platforms will continue increasing.