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The Academy Awards will begin broadcasting solely on the global video platform in 2029, marking the newest major transformation in the film industry.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news on this week, confirming that it finalized a multi-year deal granting the streaming service the exclusive global rights to the Oscars up to 2033.

The Oscars, set for 15 March, has been broadcast for a half a century on the traditional network. Starting in 2029, the event will be viewable in real-time without charge on YouTube.

It's another major shakeup in Hollywood, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, in addition to severe slashes to movie budgets.

"Our Academy represents an worldwide body, and this alliance will permit us to broaden reach to the work of the Academy to the biggest global viewership possible - which will be beneficial for our membership and the cinematic world," stated the Academy's executives in a statement.

Over decades, audience numbers of the ceremony have fallen, although there was a minor increase in 2025, with a considerable amount of youthful audiences streaming from smartphones and desktops.

In a separate statement, the video platform's chief executive described the Oscars "one of our fundamental cultural institutions" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a fresh wave of artistic expression and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' storied history".

ABC, which has aired the ceremony since 1976, stated that it was looking forward "to the next three telecasts" it will still host.

This decision comes as large entertainment companies face intricate takeover attempts. Both options were considered concerning for an sector that has experienced severe reductions over the recent period.

In common with major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the audience has shifted towards on-demand video as an alternative.

The platform securing rights to the Academy Awards further suggests that dependence on online services will carry on expanding.