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

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared the decision on this week, stating that it signed a extended contract awarding the streaming service the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.

The Oscars, set for 15 March, has aired for five decades on ABC. Beginning in 2029, the show will be accessible as a free live stream on YouTube.

This is a further substantial upheaval in Hollywood, which is grappling with corporate acquisitions and consolidations, in addition to steep reductions in filming.

"The Academy is an worldwide body, and this alliance will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible - which will be beneficial for our film artists and the film community," said organization heads in a statement.

For many years, viewership of the ceremony have dropped, although there was a small rise in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers tuning in from mobile devices and desktops.

In a corresponding announcement, the head of YouTube described the Oscars "among our fundamental cultural touchstones" and added that working with the Academy would "spark a fresh wave of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars' celebrated history".

The broadcast network, which has streamed the ceremony since 1976, said that it was excited "to hosting the event three more times" it will retain rights for.

The move follows film industry giants face complex corporate battles. Both options were seen as unfavourable for an business that has seen severe reductions over the recent period.

Like major studios, cable networks have faced issues as the audience has shifted towards streaming services instead.

YouTube winning the license to the Oscars strongly indicates that the dominance of online services will continue expanding.