You can watch the Oscars 2026 on traditional TV (ABC in the U.S.), via live TV streaming services that carry ABC, or on select free platforms in other countries, plus official live updates and clips online.

Quick Scoop: How to Watch the Oscars 2026

1. In the U.S.

  • TV broadcast : The 98th Academy Awards air live on ABC, with the main ceremony starting around 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
  • Streaming (paid) : You can stream the live ABC broadcast via:
    • Hulu + Live TV (ABC is included in its live channel lineup in most markets).
* Other live‑TV bundles that carry ABC in your area (e.g., services similar to YouTube TV, Fubo, etc., depending on local carriage).
  • Red carpet coverage :
    • ABC and Hulu carry an official pre‑show from about 6:30 p.m. ET.
* E! runs earlier red‑carpet coverage from the afternoon (around 4 p.m. ET).

Think of it as “football Sunday for movies”: red carpet pre‑game, then the big game on ABC, then a whole night of memes and hot takes.

2. Outside the U.S. (including free options)

Several countries stream the 2026 Oscars live for free via their local platforms.

  • Australia : 7Plus (Seven’s streaming platform) carries the ceremony live.
  • Ireland : RTÉ Player streams the show.
  • UK : ITVX offers a live stream.

If you’re physically in those countries, you can simply create a free account on the relevant platform and watch live.

3. Watching from “anywhere” with VPNs (for the tech‑comfortable)

Some guides suggest using a VPN to access the free streams if you’re not in those regions.

  1. Sign up for a reputable VPN service that supports streaming.
  1. Install the app on your device (laptop, phone, tablet, smart TV stick, etc.).
  1. Connect to a server in a country where there’s a free stream (for example, Australia for 7Plus, Ireland for RTÉ Player, UK for ITVX).
  1. Go to the streaming platform’s site/app, create an account if needed, and start the live stream.

These services usually:

  • Are not fully free, but often offer money‑back guarantees or trials around big events.
  • Help bypass geo‑blocks, but you should always check both the VPN’s terms and the streaming service’s terms in your region.

4. Red carpet, highlights, and social feeds

If you don’t care about watching the full live show , there are lots of ways to follow along.

  • Live blogs & recaps: Major outlets (AP, CNN, BBC, LA Times, etc.) run live pages with winners, speeches, and photos as the night unfolds.
  • Red‑carpet photos : Sites like NPR and others post galleries of the red‑carpet looks once stars arrive.
  • Official social media :
    • Follow @TheAcademy and @Oscars on Instagram and other platforms for official clips and behind‑the‑scenes moments.
* Search hashtags like #Oscars2026 and #RedCarpet2026 on X (Twitter) and TikTok for live reactions, memes, and short video edits.

A lot of people now “watch” the Oscars by keeping a live stream or TV on in the background while mostly living in the group chat and timeline.

5. Mini FAQ: “How do you watch the Oscars 2026?” (SEO‑friendly)

  • What channel are the Oscars 2026 on?
    • In the U.S., they’re broadcast live on ABC.
  • What time do the Oscars 2026 start?
    • Main ceremony: about 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
    • Red carpet: E! starts in the late afternoon; ABC/Hulu pre‑show from about 6:30 p.m. ET.
  • Can I watch the Oscars 2026 online for free?
    • Yes, via country‑specific platforms like 7Plus (Australia), RTÉ Player (Ireland), and ITVX (UK), with a free account and (if abroad) possibly a VPN.
  • Where do I see winners and highlights if I miss it live?
    • News sites and entertainment outlets post full winners lists, recap articles, and highlight videos shortly after the show ends.

Tiny storytelling touch

Picture this: you’re on your couch, snacks assembled, your stream counting down as the Dolby Theatre buzzes with energy. The red carpet is still rolling on your second screen, social feeds are already arguing about outfits, and as Conan O’Brien walks out to open the 98th Academy Awards, you’re fully synced with the same moment millions of film fans are watching around the world.

Meta description (for SEO):
Wondering how do you watch the Oscars 2026? Here’s a quick guide to TV channels, streaming options, free international platforms, VPN tips, and where to catch live updates, winners, and red‑carpet highlights.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.