How to Watch the 2026 Oscars: Stream Live on ABC, Hulu, and More

How to Watch the 2026 Oscars: Stream Live on ABC, Hulu, and More

The glitz, the glamour, the unforgettable moments – awards season culminates in Hollywood's biggest night: the Academy Awards. As the entertainment world eagerly anticipates who will take home the coveted golden statuettes, millions of viewers across the globe are already planning their evening. If you're wondering where can I watch the Oscars 2026, you're in the right place. We'll guide you through all the official broadcast and streaming options, ensuring you don't miss a single moment of the 98th Academy Awards. Scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, the ceremony promises an evening of cinematic celebration, live from the iconic Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. With fan-favorite host Conan O'Brien returning for his second consecutive year and a lineup of exciting nominees and performances, this year's Oscars are set to be a spectacle.

Why the 98th Academy Awards Are Unmissable

This isn't just another awards show; the 2026 Oscars offer several compelling reasons to tune in. Firstly, the return of host Conan O'Brien for a second year ensures a night filled with sharp wit and unexpected comedic moments. His unique style is a refreshing addition to the ceremony, promising a departure from traditional hosting tropes. Beyond the host, the musical performances are already generating buzz. The stars of *KPop Demon Hunters* are set to deliver an electrifying live performance of their hit song "Golden," featuring the incredible talents of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. This will undoubtedly be a high-energy highlight of the evening. The races themselves are incredibly tight and feature films and stars that have captivated audiences all season. Will Michael B. Jordan from *Sinners* or Timothée Chalamet clinch the Best Actor award? Will Emma Stone or Jessie Buckley walk away with Best Actress? The Best Picture category is equally fierce, with critically acclaimed films such as *Sinners*, *Hamnet*, *Sentimental Value*, *F1*, and *One Battle After Another* all vying for the industry's top honor. Everyone will also be watching to see how *KPop Demon Hunters* fares in the Animated Film and Original Song categories. With so many beloved titles and prominent stars nominated, there's more reason than ever to stay tuned until the very last award is presented.

Primary Streaming Options for the 2026 Oscars

Navigating the various platforms to stream the 98th Academy Awards can seem daunting, but thankfully, you have several reliable choices, whether you have traditional cable or are a dedicated cord-cutter.

ABC Broadcast

For many, the most straightforward answer to where can I watch the Oscars 2026 is still ABC. The ceremony will be broadcast live across the United States via your local ABC affiliate station. If you have a traditional cable TV subscription, simply tune into ABC on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. But what if you don't have cable? Fear not! Modern streaming services make it incredibly easy to access your local ABC feed, often requiring nothing more than an internet connection.

Hulu Live Stream

For the first time, Hulu is making it easier than ever for subscribers to catch the action live. The 2026 Oscars will stream live on Hulu for all subscribers, including those with a standard Hulu account and those with a Hulu + Live TV subscription. This is a significant convenience for individuals already subscribed to Hulu, offering a direct and reliable way to watch the entire ceremony without needing a separate live TV package. Simply log in and look for the live Oscars stream when the event begins.

Other Live TV Streaming Services

Beyond Hulu, several other robust live TV streaming platforms carry ABC, ensuring you won't miss a moment, no matter your preferred service. These are excellent options if you're looking for a comprehensive channel lineup or want to take advantage of a free trial. * DirecTV Stream: Formerly known as AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream offers a wide array of channels, including local ABC affiliates in most markets. It's a premium service, but its comprehensive channel lineup and reliable streaming make it a top choice for event viewing. * FuboTV: Often favored by sports enthusiasts, FuboTV also provides a strong selection of entertainment channels, including ABC. You'll want to verify that your local ABC station is available in your area before subscribing. FuboTV frequently offers a free trial, which could be a great way to watch the Oscars without a long-term commitment. * Sling TV: As a more budget-friendly option, Sling TV offers flexibility. You'll typically need the Sling Blue package, or a combined Sling Orange & Blue package, to access your local ABC channel, depending on your geographic location. Always confirm local channel availability on their website. * YouTube TV: Known for its user-friendly interface and extensive channel offerings, YouTube TV includes ABC in its standard package in most U.S. markets. It's a popular choice for cord-cutters and often provides a generous free trial period, making it a viable option for a one-off event like the Oscars. Remember to always check service availability in your specific zip code and review package details before subscribing, especially if you're aiming to utilize a free trial for a single event.

Catching the Red Carpet Action and Pre-Show

The glamour begins long before the first award is handed out. The red carpet is where fashion statements are made, early predictions are shared, and the excitement truly builds. If you're planning your entire evening around Hollywood's biggest night, you'll want to tune in early. Red carpet coverage is set to begin as early as 3:30 p.m. ET, offering extensive glimpses of celebrity arrivals and interviews. This will then lead into more focused pre-event coverage from 6:30 p.m. ET, taking you right up to the start of the main ceremony. Many of the same streaming services carrying ABC will also broadcast "On the Red Carpet at the Oscars" or similar pre-shows. For those primarily interested in the arrivals and preliminary interviews without committing to a full subscription, Sling Freestream offers a fantastic, *free* option for accessing red carpet coverage. Sling Freestream is an ad-supported service that doesn't require a credit card or even an account, making it incredibly accessible. For more detailed red carpet timings and what to expect from host Conan O'Brien, check out our guide on Oscars: Start Time, Red Carpet, How to Watch Conan O'Brien Live.

How to Watch the 2026 Oscars for Free (Legally)

The good news is, catching Hollywood's biggest night doesn't necessarily require a long-term cable or streaming commitment. There are several legitimate ways to watch the 2026 Oscars online for free. The most popular method involves leveraging free trials offered by live TV streaming services. Platforms like FuboTV, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream often provide trial periods, typically ranging from 5 to 7 days. You can sign up a day or two before March 15th, enjoy the full Oscars broadcast, and then cancel your subscription before the trial period ends to avoid any charges. Just be sure to set a reminder to cancel! As mentioned earlier, Sling Freestream is an excellent, truly free option specifically for red carpet coverage. While it won't broadcast the full awards ceremony, it's perfect for those who just want to soak in the pre-show atmosphere. Finally, for U.S. residents, if you have a digital antenna, you can likely pick up your local ABC station completely free. This is a one-time purchase that grants access to all over-the-air broadcast channels in your area. For a deeper dive into legal, free streaming options, read our article: Stream the 2026 Oscars Free Online: Your Guide to Watching Without Cable.

International Viewers: Beyond the U.S. Borders

If you're tuning in from outside the United States, your options will vary significantly by region. The Academy Awards typically partners with broadcasters worldwide to ensure global access, but the specific channel or streaming platform will depend on your country. Your best bet is to check the official Oscars website in the weeks leading up to the event, or consult local TV listings and entertainment news sources for broadcast details specific to your region. Remember to account for time zone differences when planning your viewing party!

The 98th Academy Awards: Essential Details at a Glance

To help you organize your ultimate Oscars viewing experience, here are the crucial details: * Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026 * Location: Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California * Ceremony Start Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT * Red Carpet Coverage Begins: As early as 3:30 p.m. ET (Pre-event coverage from 6:30 p.m. ET) * Host: Conan O’Brien * U.S. Broadcaster: ABC * U.S. Live Streaming: Hulu, DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV * Key Nominees to Watch: Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, and films like Sinners, Hamnet, Sentimental Value, F1, One Battle After Another, and KPop Demon Hunters.

Tips for a Seamless Oscars Viewing Experience

To ensure you have the best seat in your house for Hollywood's biggest night, consider these practical tips: * Test Your Setup: A day before the ceremony, ensure your internet connection is stable and your chosen streaming device (smart TV, laptop, tablet, etc.) is ready and updated. * Set Reminders: With multiple start times for the red carpet, pre-show, and main ceremony, setting several alerts on your phone or smart device is a good idea. * Prepare Snacks & Drinks: Make it a full event! Have your favorite snacks and beverages ready so you don't miss a crucial moment stepping away from the screen. * Join the Conversation: Follow official social media hashtags like #Oscars and #AcademyAwards to engage with fellow fans and get real-time reactions and commentary.

Conclusion

The 98th Academy Awards promise an unforgettable evening of glamour, talent, and anticipation. Whether you choose the traditional broadcast on ABC, a dedicated streaming service like Hulu, or leverage a free trial from a live TV provider, ample opportunities exist for where you can watch the Oscars 2026. Prepare for an evening of cinematic celebration, stunning fashion, and unexpected moments. Don't miss Hollywood's biggest night!