Hollywood's biggest night is almost here. The 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) will celebrate the best films of 2025, bringing together the biggest stars, filmmakers, and movie lovers from around the world. If you're planning to watch the ceremony live, there are several easy ways to tune in-whether you have cable TV or prefer streaming online.
Here's a simple and complete guide on where to watch the Oscars 2026, including TV channels, streaming services, and start times.
When Are the Oscars 2026?
The 2026 Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
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Ceremony Start Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
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Red Carpet Show: Begins around 6:30 PM ET
The event will once again be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien, who returns to lead the ceremony for the second year in a row.
Where to Watch the Oscars 2026 on TV
The 2026 Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC in the United States.
If you have traditional cable or satellite TV, you can simply tune in to your local ABC station to watch the ceremony live.
TV Option
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Channel: ABC
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Access: Cable, satellite, or over-the-air antenna
Viewers with an HD antenna can also watch the broadcast for free if ABC is available in their area.
How to Watch the Oscars 2026 Online (Streaming)
If you don't have cable, you still have several streaming options. The Oscars will be available through live TV streaming services and official ABC platforms.
Live Streaming Options
You can watch the ceremony live through:
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Hulu + Live TV
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YouTube TV
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FuboTV
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DirecTV Stream
Many of these services offer free trials, which means some viewers may be able to watch the event without paying if they sign up shortly before the broadcast.
Streaming the Oscars on Hulu
For the second year in a row, the Oscars will also stream live on Hulu.
This gives subscribers a simple way to watch the awards without needing a full cable package. In some cases, new users may qualify for trial offers or discounted plans, making it one of the easiest ways to tune in online.
Watching the Oscars on the ABC App or Website
Another option is the ABC app or ABC.com.
However, this method usually requires viewers to log in with a TV provider, such as a cable or live-TV streaming subscription.
Platforms Available
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ABC App
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ABC.com
These options allow viewers to watch both live broadcasts and on-demand clips after the show.
Can You Watch the Oscars After the Show?
Yes. If you miss the live broadcast, you can still catch the ceremony afterward.
The Oscars will likely be available on demand through the ABC app, ABC.com, and Hulu after the broadcast finishes.
Highlights, award speeches, and major moments will also appear across official Oscars social media channels and YouTube clips shortly after the show.
What to Expect at the 2026 Oscars
The 2026 Oscars ceremony will honor the best films released in 2025.
One of the biggest stories heading into the awards night is the film "Sinners," which leads the nominations with a record-breaking 16 nods. Other top contenders include:
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One Battle After Another - 13 nominations
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Marty Supreme - 9 nominations
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Hamnet - multiple major category nominations
Major awards to watch include:
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Best Picture
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Best Actor
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Best Actress
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Best Director
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Best Supporting Actor and Actress
The night will also feature live performances of Oscar-nominated songs, celebrity presenters, and emotional acceptance speeches.
Red Carpet Coverage
For fans who enjoy the fashion and celebrity interviews before the ceremony, red carpet coverage starts hours earlier.
You can watch red carpet events on:
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ABC's official Oscars Red Carpet Show
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ABC News Live
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E! Live From the Red Carpet
These broadcasts typically begin several hours before the ceremony, offering interviews with nominees and Hollywood stars as they arrive.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer watching on TV or streaming online, there are plenty of ways to catch the 2026 Oscars live.
To recap, you can watch the ceremony through:
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ABC (live broadcast)
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Hulu
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YouTube TV
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Hulu + Live TV
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FuboTV
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DirecTV Stream
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ABC.com or the ABC App
With major films competing for the top prizes and a lineup of celebrity presenters, the 98th Academy Awards promises another unforgettable night in Hollywood.
