The Oscars to Depart Broadcast TV and Broadcast Live on YouTube Beginning in the Year 2029.

The Academy Awards are set to start broadcasting solely on YouTube in 2029, signaling the newest substantial change in the film industry.

The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on Wednesday, indicating that it entered into a long-term agreement awarding YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars through 2033.

The awards show, set for 15 March, has been televised for five decades on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the show will be viewable in real-time without charge on YouTube.

This is one more substantial restructuring in the entertainment world, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, coupled with severe slashes to movie budgets.

"The Academy is an global institution, and this alliance will allow us to expand access to the activities of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be advantageous for our Academy members and the cinematic world," said Academy leadership in a statement.

Throughout a long period, audience numbers of the televised event have fallen, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers watching from cell phones and computers.

In a related comment, YouTube's CEO called the Oscars "one of our vital cultural touchstones" and noted that working with the Academy would "motivate a new generation of artistic expression and cinema enthusiasts while remaining faithful to the Oscars' celebrated legacy".

ABC, which has aired the ceremony since the mid-1970s, commented that it was eagerly anticipating "to hosting the event three more times" it will retain rights for.

This decision coincides with large entertainment companies face intricate takeover attempts. These potential deals were seen as unfavourable for an industry that has seen drastic cuts over the last few years.

In common with big production houses, cable networks have faced issues as the audience has chosen on-demand video instead.

YouTube winning broadcasting rights to the Academy Awards clearly signals that dependence on digital platforms will continue expanding.