Watching the Oscars for free is possible through geo-specific streaming platforms and trials, especially for the 2026 ceremony airing Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC.

Free Streaming Options

International free services like 7Plus (Australia), RTÉ Player (Ireland), and ITVX (UK) broadcast the full Oscars live without cost—just connect via VPN if you're outside those regions.

For U.S. viewers, live TV streamers offer free trials : DirecTV Stream (5 days), Fubo (5 days at $45.99 first month), Hulu + Live TV (3 days at $89.99), and Sling (short passes from $19.99, no full trial).

Cancel before trials end to avoid charges, and ABC's app works with these for cord-cutters.

VPN Access Guide

  1. Get a VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN (many have 30-day refunds).
  1. Install on your device (phones, TVs, computers).
  2. Connect to Australia, Ireland, or UK servers.
  3. Open 7Plus, RTÉ Player, or ITVX and stream live—pre-event red carpet starts at 6:30 p.m. ET.

This setup works globally, dodging blackouts for Hollywood's biggest night celebrating 2025 films.

Trending Forum Buzz

Online chatter highlights VPN hacks as the "easiest free win," with users raving about 7Plus for no ads Down Under.

"Streamed Oscars last year on RTÉ via VPN—crystal clear, zero lag!" – Reddit thread vibe.

Some speculate U.S. antenna users (free over-air ABC) pair it with trials for replays.

Platform| Free Method| Region| Trial Length| ABC Access
---|---|---|---|---
7Plus| Live stream| Australia| N/A| Full event 7
RTÉ Player| Live stream| Ireland| N/A| Full event 1
ITVX| Live stream| UK| N/A| Full event 1
Fubo| Trial| U.S.| 5 days| Yes 3
DirecTV| Trial| U.S.| 5 days| Yes 5

TL;DR at bottom: Geo-unlock 7Plus/RTÉ/ITVX with VPN or snag U.S. trials—safe, legal, zero upfront cost.

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