The Oscars Are Exiting ABC and Broadcast Live on YouTube Starting in the Year 2029.

The Oscars ceremony will begin broadcasting solely on YouTube in 2029, signaling the newest substantial shift in the film industry.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on this week, stating that it signed a extended contract giving the streaming service the sole worldwide broadcasting rights to the Oscars through 2033.

The awards show, set for 15 March, has been televised for a half a century on the traditional network. Commencing in 2029, the event will be available as a free live stream on the digital platform.

It's one more substantial shakeup in Hollywood, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, in addition to steep reductions in filming.

"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this alliance will permit us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience attainable - which will be positive for our film artists and the film community," remarked Academy leadership in a announcement.

For many years, viewership of the awards show have dropped, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a considerable amount of youthful audiences watching from mobile devices and laptops.

In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "one of our fundamental cultural touchstones" and noted that teaming up with the Academy would "inspire a younger cohort of innovation and movie fans while adhering to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".

ABC, which has aired the awards since the mid-1970s, stated that it was looking forward "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will retain rights for.

The move coincides with large entertainment companies confront challenging merger discussions. Such proposals were seen as concerning for an sector that has witnessed severe reductions over the past several years.

In common with big production houses, traditional TV channels have encountered challenges as the viewers has chosen digital platforms instead.

The platform securing broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards strongly indicates that dependence on streaming sites will continue expanding.