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The Oscars ceremony will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, representing the newest major transformation in Hollywood.

The organization behind the Oscars made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming that it signed a long-term agreement granting YouTube the unique international license to the Oscars through 2033.

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

It's another significant restructuring in Hollywood, which is navigating studio sales and mergers, in addition to severe reductions in filming.

"Our Academy represents an global institution, and this collaboration will permit us to expand access to the activities of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience imaginable - which will be beneficial for our membership and the movie industry," remarked organization heads in a statement.

Over decades, viewership of the awards show have declined, even if there was a small rise in 2025, with a notable portion of younger viewers tuning in from cell phones and computers.

In a separate statement, YouTube's CEO described the Oscars "a key essential pillars of culture" and added that teaming up with the Academy would "motivate a younger cohort of innovation and movie fans while staying true to the Oscars' illustrious heritage".

ABC, which has aired the awards since the mid-1970s, commented that it was excited "to the next three telecasts" it will retain rights for.

The move coincides with film industry giants face challenging merger discussions. Both options were seen as problematic for an industry that has witnessed severe reductions over the past several years.

Like big production houses, cable networks have faced issues as the public has increasingly opted for digital platforms instead.

The platform securing broadcasting rights to the Oscars clearly signals that dependence on digital platforms will persist expanding.