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The Oscars ceremony will commence streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, marking the most recent major shift in the film industry.

The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on Wednesday, confirming that it signed a long-term agreement giving YouTube the unique international license to the Oscars up to 2033.

The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has been broadcast for a half a century on ABC. Starting in 2029, the ceremony will be accessible in real-time without charge on the digital platform.

It's a further substantial upheaval in Hollywood, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with drastic reductions in filming.

"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this collaboration will allow us to increase availability to the mission of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be beneficial for our membership and the film community," stated organization heads in a announcement.

Throughout a long period, viewership of the televised event have declined, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a significant number of younger viewers watching from cell phones and laptops.

In a corresponding announcement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "among our essential cultural institutions" and added that partnering with the Academy would "motivate a fresh wave of artistic expression and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".

ABC, which has streamed the awards since the mid-1970s, said that it was excited "to the upcoming broadcasts" it will continue to air.

This shift follows film industry giants face complex corporate battles. Both options were viewed as problematic for an business that has experienced significant downsizing over the last few years.

Similar to major studios, cable networks have struggled as the viewers has chosen on-demand video instead.

YouTube winning rights to the Oscars strongly indicates that the dominance of digital platforms will persist to grow.