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The Academy Awards will begin airing only on YouTube in 2029, marking the latest substantial transformation in the film industry.

The organization behind the Oscars revealed the news on this week, confirming that it signed a extended contract giving YouTube the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.

The awards show, which is planned for 15 March, has been broadcast for five decades on the traditional network. Beginning in 2029, the event will be viewable in real-time without charge on the digital platform.

It's one more significant restructuring in the entertainment world, which is grappling with company buyouts and fusions, along with steep production cuts.

"The Academy is an global institution, and this partnership will permit us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership attainable - which will be positive for our membership and the movie industry," stated Academy leadership in a statement.

Over decades, ratings of the ceremony have fallen, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a considerable amount of younger viewers tuning in from cell phones and desktops.

In a separate statement, the head of YouTube described the Oscars "one of our essential cultural institutions" and said that partnering with the Academy would "inspire a younger cohort of innovation and movie fans while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious history".

ABC, which has aired the ceremony since the mid-1970s, stated that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will still host.

The move coincides with film industry giants confront complex corporate battles. Such proposals were seen as problematic for an sector that has experienced significant downsizing over the recent period.

Like big production houses, cable networks have encountered challenges as the public has shifted towards streaming services as an alternative.

YouTube winning the license to the Oscars further suggests that dependence on streaming sites will persist increasing.