You can watch the Oscars 2026 on ABC in the U.S., on several live TV streaming platforms, and for free in a few countries’ local streaming apps (with a VPN if you’re abroad).

How to Watch Oscars 2026

Basic details (time, date, channel)

  • The 98th Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 15, 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
  • The ceremony starts at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT , with red carpet coverage kicking off earlier in the afternoon.
  • In the United States , the show airs live on ABC.

Think of ABC as “home base” for the Oscars again this year—if you have it, you’re set.

If you have cable or antenna (U.S.)

If you already get ABC, watching is straightforward.

  • Cable / satellite users
    • Tune to your local ABC channel at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
* You can also sign in with your TV provider on **ABC.com** or the **ABC app** to stream the show live.
  • Digital antenna users
    • Any modern over‑the‑air antenna should pick up your local ABC affiliate for free, as long as you’re in range.

If you’re streaming (U.S.)

You have multiple streaming routes, some with free trials.

1. Hulu (including basic plan)

  • The Oscars 2026 are streaming live on Hulu , including the standard ad‑supported subscription, via ABC’s live feed.
  • There is also Hulu + Live TV , which carries ABC directly as a live TV channel.
  • At the moment, there’s a promotional Hulu + Disney+ bundle around $4.99/month in some offers, which may be a cheap way to get access if available to you.

2. Other live TV services

Several major live TV streamers in the U.S. will carry ABC’s Oscars broadcast.

  • YouTube TV – includes ABC in most markets; often offers a free trial for new users.
  • FuboTV – carries ABC in many regions and has a trial period; good if you want sports channels too.
  • DirecTV Stream – includes ABC in its “Entertainment” package, with about a 5‑day free trial and plans starting around $89.99/month after.
  • AT &T TV / DirecTV-branded streaming – similar to DirecTV Stream with ABC included in many markets.

If you’re just in it for Oscar night, a free trial from one of these services can act like a temporary cable subscription.

Free options abroad (with possible VPN use)

Some countries offer free local streams of the Oscars; people outside those regions often pair these with a VPN.

  • Australia – 7Plus will stream the 2026 Oscars live for free.
  • Ireland – RTÉ Player offers a free stream.
  • United Kingdom – ITVX will carry the Oscars live at no cost.

Because these platforms are geo‑blocked , guides suggest using a VPN that supports streaming: you connect to a server in Australia, Ireland, or the UK, then watch on 7Plus, RTÉ Player, or ITVX as if you were local.

This is a common workaround: subscribe to a reputable VPN, pick a server in the country you want, then open the local streaming app and watch.

Red carpet & pre‑shows

If half the fun for you is fashion and arrivals, you have several options.

  • ABC / ABC News red carpet
    • ABC offers official red carpet coverage before the ceremony, available on TV and online.
* Clips and live moments appear on **GoodMorningAmerica.com** and **ABCNews.com** throughout the night.
  • E! “Live From E! Red Carpet”
    • E! will air “Live From E!: Oscars Carpet” just before the main ceremony, focusing on big entrances and fashion.
* This airs on the **E! channel** , and is available on many cable bundles or streaming services that include E!

A popular routine: watch E!’s coverage for fashion commentary, then switch to ABC for the ceremony.

Start time, host, and what to expect

  • The show runs roughly three and a half hours , beginning 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
  • Conan O’Brien returns as host for the second consecutive year.
  • The telecast celebrates 2025’s films, with big‑name presenters, performances from nominated songs, and several high‑profile reunions and tributes.
  • It will be broadcast to more than 200 countries worldwide , through local partners and networks.

This year’s ceremony is framed as a blend of nostalgia and new energy, with surprise presenters and emotional tributes teased in advance.

Quick step‑by‑step: pick your path

  1. Check if you have ABC
    • Cable, satellite, or antenna with ABC? You’re done: tune in at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
  1. No ABC? Choose a streaming option (U.S.)
    • Sign up for Hulu , Hulu + Live TV , YouTube TV , FuboTV , or DirecTV Stream that carries ABC in your area.
 * Use a free trial if you only care about Oscars night.
  1. Outside the U.S.?
    • Try 7Plus (Australia) , RTÉ Player (Ireland) , or ITVX (UK) if they’re available in your location.
 * If they’re blocked, use a trusted **VPN** , connect to the relevant country, then stream via the local platform.
  1. Want red carpet coverage?
    • Watch E!’s “Live From” show on the E! channel or compatible streaming services.
 * Or catch ABC’s **official red carpet feed** and online coverage on ABC News and GMA sites.

Small forum-style take

“If you’re in the U.S., the simplest trick is: antenna or any bundle that has ABC. Outside the U.S., people are mostly grabbing the free UK/Irish/Aussie streams via VPN this year.”

Fans online are also talking about Conan’s second year as host, how early the start time feels on the West Coast, and the mix of blockbuster and indie titles in Best Picture.

Quick keyword-friendly recap

  • To watch Oscars 2026 in the U.S. : ABC, Hulu, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, ABC.com/ABC app with TV login.
  • To watch Oscars 2026 for free : 7Plus (Australia), RTÉ Player (Ireland), ITVX (UK), usually with a VPN if you’re abroad.
  • Latest news : 98th Academy Awards, Conan O’Brien hosting again, live March 15, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

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