The 98th Annual Academy Awards will air live on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, delivering cinema’s most prestigious honors through a multi-platform broadcast on ABC and Hulu. As Hollywood prepares for what critics call the most competitive awards season in recent memory, viewers can access the ceremony via traditional cable, digital antennas, or various streaming services.
Where to Stream the 2026 Oscars
For the second consecutive year, the Academy Awards will stream live on Hulu. Unlike many high-profile live events, this broadcast remains available to subscribers across all membership tiers. Viewers do not require a Hulu + Live TV subscription to watch the ceremony; a standard account provides full access to the live feed. This accessibility ensures that the “Oscars fever” currently sweeping the industry reaches the widest possible digital audience.
Audiences who prefer comprehensive streaming television packages can also find the ABC broadcast on YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo. These services offer a digital alternative to traditional cable while maintaining the same high-definition broadcast quality for Hollywood’s biggest night.
Broadcast and International Viewing Options
Traditional viewers can tune into their local ABC affiliate station via cable providers or over-the-air (OTA) digital antennas. This ensures that the 98th Oscars remain accessible to the widest possible domestic audience without the need for an internet connection.
International film enthusiasts can access the show through dozens of global media partners. Because these streams are typically geo-blocked to specific regions, viewers traveling outside their home countries may need to utilize a VPN to connect to their preferred local provider’s broadcast. The Academy maintains an official list of international broadcasters to help fans find the correct channel in their specific territory.
Red Carpet Coverage and Hosting Details
The festivities begin 30 minutes before the main ceremony with the official red carpet pre-show. Starting at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT, the pre-show captures the arrivals of the industry’s elite, highlighting the year’s most significant fashion statements ranging from archival haute couture to modern designer labels.
Conan O’Brien Returns to the Stage
Conan O’Brien returns as the host for the 98th Annual Academy Awards, a move widely praised by industry insiders for his seasoned comedic timing. O’Brien has been actively promoting the event, appearing on high-profile platforms like The New Yorker Radio Hour and Michelle Obama’s podcast to discuss the unique pressures of the gig. Hosting the Oscars remains one of the most demanding assignments in entertainment, a topic recently explored in-depth by the Critics at Large podcast, which analyzed the evolution of the role since the first televised ceremony in 1953.
Join the Global Conversation
With a nominee list featuring a diverse mix of major studio blockbusters, international treasures, and indie darlings, social engagement is expected to reach record levels. Fans looking to analyze the winners and snubs in real-time can join the r/Oscars community on Reddit or follow the dedicated film feeds on Bluesky to participate in the night’s most viral moments.
