How to Watch the Oscars Online: Stream the 98th Academy Awards
The 98th Oscars is available to watch on a few services around the world and some of them are free. Read this guide to find out how to watch the Oscars 2026 from anywhere.
Written by Kit Copson (Writer, Briefing Editor)
Reviewed by Sandra Pattison (Editor, Writer)
Facts checked by Vildana Bratic (Video Editor, Fact-Checking Editor)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: How to Watch the Oscars
- Grab a subscription at a 76% discount from NordVPN’s website.
- Download and install the VPN client. Connect to a U.K. server.
- Go to ITVX and stream the Oscars for free.
Best VPNs for Streaming the Oscars:
- NordVPN — Secure, swift and packed with advanced features. You can sign up for NordVPN with a 76% discount and use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.
- Surfshark — Best VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. Get 87% off the first two years with Surfshark, covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Proton VPN — Fast, privacy-focused VPN with a generous free plan that includes U.S. servers. Get 70% off paid plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- ExpressVPN — Premium VPN protection made simple. New ExpressVPN subscribers get up to 73% reduced rates on long-term commitments.
Facts & Expert Analysis:
- ABC will stream the Oscars in the U.S. on March 15, and it’ll also stream on Hulu for the second time. You can use a live-streaming service like YouTube TV or Fubo to access ABC too.
- The Oscars will also be available to stream for free in a few countries, including on ITVX in the U.K. and 7Plus in Australia.
- If you’re outside any of those countries, you can connect to a VPN server in that country to access the streaming service you want.
- NordVPN is the best VPN for livestreaming the Oscars, followed by Surfshark, Proton VPN and ExpressVPN.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will host the 98th Academy Awards — also known as the Oscars — this March. If you’re scrambling to find out where and how to watch the Oscars in time for the big day, read on to get the full lowdown.
The Oscars will be broadcast on ABC and streamed on Hulu in the U.S., and there are also some free streaming options in other countries. However, if you’re outside the correct country, you’ll be unable to get access because of regional restrictions. Fortunately, you can use a virtual private network (VPN) like NordVPN to get around this issue.
Without further ado, let’s explore when the Oscars will be broadcast and the streaming services and channels — both in and outside the U.S. — you can watch it on.
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10/01/2024
We adjusted the article’s VPN positions to reflect recent improvements and feature updates.
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02/25/2025
Updated the guide with information for the 97th Oscars and reworked the streaming options.
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03/09/2026
We updated this guide with information for the 98th Oscars and checked the streaming options.
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03/31/2026
We updated this article with revised rankings based on recent testing data.
How to Watch the Oscars 2026: Dates & Times
The 98th Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It will air on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT). Here are some of the international air times. Red carpet coverage will start half an hour before:
| Country: | Time & Date |
|---|---|
| Australia (AEDT) | Monday, March 16, 11 a.m. |
| Canada (EDT) | Sunday, March 15, 7 p.m. |
| United Kingdom (GMT) | Sunday, March 15, 11 p.m. |
What Channel Is the Oscars On?
In the U.S., ABC has the exclusive rights to air the Oscars over-the-air, and Hulu will be streaming the ceremony online. If you have a U.S. TV provider, you can log in on ABC.com or the ABC app to stream the ceremony online.
If you’re outside the U.S., here are some of the international networks you can watch the Oscars on. Check the official list if your country or continent doesn’t appear here.
| Country/Continent: | Channel/Service |
|---|---|
| Australia | Seven, 7Plus (Free) |
| United Kingdom | ITV, ITVX (Free) and STV, STV Player (Free) |
| Ireland | RTÉ Player (Free) |
| Mexico | Channel 13, Channel 7 |
| South Africa | M-Net |
| India | Star Movies |
| Canada | CTV |
| New Zealand | Disney+ |
Where Can I Watch the Oscars 2026 Without Cable?
If you’re in the U.S., you can watch the Oscars on the ABC website or ABC app with a TV provider login and on a wide variety of live streaming services that include the ABC channel. These include Hulu+ Live TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, Sling TV and DirecTV Stream. Please note that on live TV streaming services, programming varies depending on where in the U.S. you are.
The Oscars will also stream live on Hulu in the U.S. for the second time. If you are traveling outside the U.S., you can connect to a U.S. server on a VPN to access your accounts with these services.
How to Watch the Oscars 2026 Free
There are a few free streaming options for the Oscars too, including ITVX (U.K.), STV Player (U.K.), 7Plus (Australia) and RTÉ Player (Ireland). However, they’re country-specific, meaning you’ll need a VPN if you’re not in the correct country.
YouTube TV, fuboTV and DirecTV Stream all offer free trials for new subscribers in the U.S. if you’d prefer to watch it on the ABC Channel.
How to Watch the Oscars With a VPN
If you want to access one of the free streaming options or you’re overseas and can’t access the ABC website or your usual live TV streaming account to watch the Oscars, this section will help. For this tutorial, we’ll use U.K. free service ITVX and our top VPN recommendation, NordVPN, as an example.
You can also connect to a VPN to access other U.S. streaming services, sites like ABC and services in various locations worldwide. Simply connect to a server in a country where the streaming service is available.
Also, note that some U.S. livestreaming services — especially Hulu+ Live TV — require you to check in from your U.S. home network every now and then to continue using the service. This is just something to be aware of if you’ll be traveling outside the U.S. and using a VPN for a longer period of time.
- Subscribe to a VPN Service
To get started, visit NordVPN’s website and subscribe to a plan at 76% off the regular price. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
- Download and Install the VPN
Locate the “download” tab on the VPN provider’s website and install the VPN on your device.
- Connect to a U.K. Server
Open the VPN app on your device and connect to a server in the U.K.
- Create a Free ITVX Account
Go to ITVX and create a free account. Make sure you use a valid email for verification.
- Start Streaming the Oscars for Free
Search for the Oscars on ITVX and click on it to start streaming.
The 4 Best VPNs for Watching the 98th Academy Awards
If you’ll be watching Hollywood’s biggest night on a U.S. streaming service from overseas or on a free service in a different country, you’ll need a reliable VPN to circumvent the geoblocks, and one that’s fast enough to prevent lags and buffering. Here are our top streaming recommendations.
1. NordVPN— Best VPN for Streaming The Oscars
Very Fast
Whether you only want to see the red carpet show or watch the full Oscars ceremony, NordVPN is another solid (and affordable) choice for streaming. Its speeds have consistently proven to be best in class, which is why it’s our fastest VPN recommendation. This makes it possible to stream smoothly without enduring buffering, lags or slow connections.
We’re also fans of NordVPN’s easy-to-use desktop world map interface, though its mobile interface can be a bit complicated to get around, especially if you’re not the best at geography. NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Our NordVPN review spills all the details on this fast and intuitive provider.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
- 10
2. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN for Watching The Oscars
Fast
If you’ve got a house full of film fans all wanting to stream the Oscars on their own device, Surfshark is the way to go. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning everyone can tune into the ceremony without fighting over logins. It posted download speeds of 290 Mbps — more than fast enough for buffer-free HD or 4K live streaming of every red carpet moment.
Surfshark reliably unblocks streaming platforms like ITVX, Hulu and ABC. Its security toolkit includes CleanWeb for ad and malware blocking, camouflage mode for obfuscation and dynamic MultiHop for extra privacy. Surfshark is a low-cost option and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Head over to our full Surfshark review for the complete breakdown.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. Proton VPN — Most Private VPN for Streaming the Oscars
Very Fast
If privacy is your top priority when streaming the Oscars, Proton VPN is a standout pick. Based in Switzerland, it operates under a strict, independently audited no-logs policy. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec, plus a custom Stealth protocol designed for obfuscation, so your streaming activity stays private even on restrictive networks.
None of that matters if the VPN can’t keep up with a live broadcast, but Proton VPN delivers there too. U.S. download speeds held steady at around 274 Mbps on our 300 Mbps baseline, and latency was around 7 m to 9 ms. You won’t have to worry about seeing spoilers on social media before the winners appear on your screen.
Proton VPN unblocks BBC iPlayer and Peacock, which is a strong sign it’ll work with free U.K. services like ITVX for the Oscars. However, we had mixed results with Hulu. If you’re set on using Hulu specifically, you may need to try a few different servers or consider pairing Proton VPN with the ITVX route via a U.K. server for the most reliable experience.
To get the full experience, sign up for a paid plan for as little as $2.99 per month for a two-year subscription. Head over to our full Proton VPN review for more details.
- Unlimited GB
- 1
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- 500 GB storage 1 user 15 extra email addresses for you Support for 3 custom email domains Unlimited folders and labels Unlimited hide-my-email aliases Dedicated customer support Ultra fast and private VPN Encrypted password manager Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents Advanced account protection
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans. Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
- Unlimited GB
- 10
4. ExpressVPN — Best Easy to use VPN for The Oscars
Very Fast
ExpressVPN is fast and easy to use, but its biggest selling point is its excellent ability to unblock streaming sites around the world. That makes it a reliable choice for catching the Oscars on platforms like ITVX, Hulu or ABC, no matter where you are.
In our speed tests, it clocked download speeds of 247 Mbps and upload speeds of 41 Mbps, with a latency of just 6 ms. That’s plenty fast for a smooth, lag-free live broadcast. With servers in 105 countries, you’ll have no trouble finding a connection wherever your preferred streaming service is based.
A major drawback is that ExpressVPN costs more than comparable VPNs, but its unmatched streaming reliability and ease of use justify the premium for many users. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free for the Oscars. Check out our full ExpressVPN review for more information.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- Advanced Protection, ExpressVPN Keys, 3 days unlimited eSIM data, Identity Monitoring, IDP Insurance, Credit Monitoring, 25-50% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 12
- Everything on the Advanced Plan, Credit Monthly Report, Data Removal, 50-75% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 14
Best Free VPN for The Oscars: PrivadoVPN
because it can unblock ABC.
If you’d rather not spend a penny but still want to catch the Oscars, PrivadoVPN’s free plan is worth a look. It can unblock ABC, which means you can stream the ceremony with a U.S. TV provider login without paying for a VPN subscription. The app is easy to use, and connecting to a U.S. server takes just a few clicks.
The catch is that the free plan limits you to just 10GB of data each month and only one connection. If you find yourself needing more data or want to connect on multiple devices, PrivadoVPN’s paid plans are among the cheapest around, and they come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Check out our full PrivadoVPN review for all the details.
- 10GB
- 1
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
The 2026 Oscars: Who Will Host, Present & Perform at the Oscars?
The 2026 Oscars will once again be hosted by Conan O’Brien. The announcer has yet to be named, though. This year’s presenters include Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway ands Gwyneth Paltrow, to name a few. We’ll see performances of the songs “I Lied to You” from Sinners and the KPop Demon Hunters global hit “Golden.”
The nominations were announced in January, and films nominated for Best Picture include ‘Bugonia,’ ‘F1,’ ‘Frankenstein,’ ‘Hamnet’ and ‘Marty Supreme,’ to name but a few.
Best Actor nominees are Timothée Chalamet (‘Marty Supreme’), Leonardo DiCaprio (‘One Battle After Another’), Ethan Hawke (‘Blue Moon’), Michael B. Jordan (‘Sinners’) and Wagner Moura (‘The Secret Agent’). The nominees for Best Supporting Actor are Benicio Del Toro (‘One Battle after Another’), Jacob Elordi (‘Frankenstein’), Delroy Lindo (‘Sinners’), Sean Penn (‘One Battle after Another’) and Stellan Skarsgård (‘Sentimental Value’).
Best Actress nominess are Jessie Buckley (‘Hamnet’), Rose Byrne (‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’), Kate Hudson (‘Song Sung Blue’), Renate Reinsve (‘Sentimental Value’) and Emma Stone (‘Bugonia’). Best Supporting Actress nominees are Elle Fanning (‘Sentimental Value’), Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (‘Sentimental Value’), Amy Madigan (‘Weapons’), Wunmi Mosaku (‘Sinners’) and Teyana Taylor (‘One Battle after Another’).
How to Stream the Oscars After It Airs
You can stream the Oscars after the ceremony airs on ABC’s website, as content typically becomes available on-demand the day after it first airs. Many live TV streaming services like Hulu+ Live TV let you record live TV to watch later.
You can also watch it for free on-demand on ITVX in the U.K. You just need to connect to a VPN server in the U.K. if you’re not located there.
Final Thoughts: Streaming the Oscars
Fortunately, the Oscars will air on various channels and networks around the world, but just because you’re traveling outside the U.S. doesn’t mean you have to miss out on using your favorite streaming services. You can also use similar methods to watch the Golden Globes, the BAFTA Awards and the Critics Choice Awards as well.
You don’t have to take our word for it, trying NordVPN yourself is completely risk-free, thanks to the 30-day refund period.
Who are you rooting for in the best actor and actress categories? Which channel or streaming service do you plan to watch the Oscars on? Feel free to let us know below in the comments. Thanks for reading.
FAQ: Stream the Oscars for Free
Yes, you can watch the Oscars for free on various platforms including RTÉ (Ireland), 7plus (Australia) and ITVX (U.K.). You can also tune in on the ABC website (U.S.) with a TV provider login. Several live TV streaming services, like YouTube TV, also offer free trials.
This year’s Oscars ceremony starts at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT).
No, the Oscars will not livestream on Amazon Prime Video.
In the U.S., you can stream the Oscars on Hulu or via the ABC channel on a live TV streaming service. Alternatively, you can watch it for free on ITVX in the U.K., RTÉ Player in Ireland or 7Plus in Australia. If you’re not in any of those countries, a VPN can help.