For viewers searching oscars 2026 where to watch, the 98th Academy Awards aired live in the United States on Sunday, March 15, 2026, giving audiences several ways to watch the ceremony on television and online streaming platforms. The annual awards show took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, honoring the best films released during 2025.
The ceremony once again brought together the biggest names in the film industry. Actor and comedian Conan O’Brien hosted the event, delivering the opening monologue and guiding audiences through Hollywood’s most prestigious awards night. Fans across the United States watched live to see major winners, memorable speeches, and standout fashion moments from the red carpet.
Below is a complete guide explaining how and where U.S. audiences could watch the Oscars 2026 broadcast.
Oscars 2026 Date, Time, and Venue
The Academy Awards traditionally take place in early spring, and the 2026 ceremony followed that schedule.
Key details of the event include:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 98th Academy Awards |
| Date | March 15, 2026 |
| Venue | Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, Los Angeles |
| Ceremony Start Time | 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT |
| Host | Conan O’Brien |
| U.S. Broadcast Network | ABC |
| Streaming Option | Hulu |
The show began at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, while pre-show coverage and red carpet interviews started several hours earlier.
Oscars 2026 Where to Watch on Television
The official television home for the Academy Awards in the United States remains ABC. The network has broadcast the ceremony for decades and continues to serve as the primary TV partner for the event.
Viewers with cable or satellite service could watch the ceremony by tuning into their local ABC channel at the scheduled start time.
Watching on TV allowed audiences to see the entire event as it unfolded, including:
- Celebrity arrivals on the red carpet
- The host’s opening monologue
- Award presentations across all categories
- Musical performances and tributes
- Acceptance speeches from winners
Many U.S. households also watched the broadcast using a digital antenna, since ABC is available as a free over-the-air network in most areas.
How to Stream the Oscars 2026 Online
Streaming has become one of the most popular ways to watch live events, and the Oscars 2026 were accessible through several online platforms.
Hulu
One of the easiest ways to stream the ceremony was through Hulu, which carried the live broadcast for U.S. viewers.
Subscribers could watch the event through the Hulu app on various devices such as:
- Smart TVs
- Streaming sticks and set-top boxes
- Smartphones and tablets
- Desktop or laptop browsers
Many viewers used Hulu + Live TV, which provides access to local ABC stations in many markets.
ABC Website and Mobile App
Another option was the ABC website or the ABC mobile app.
After signing in with a participating TV provider, viewers could stream the Oscars live from any supported device. This option made it possible to watch the ceremony while traveling or away from a television.
Live TV Streaming Services
Several internet-based TV services that carry ABC also streamed the awards ceremony.
Popular options included:
- YouTube TV
- FuboTV
- DIRECTV Stream
- Sling TV in select markets
These services function similarly to cable packages but operate entirely online. Many offer trial periods that allow new users to watch live programming immediately.
Red Carpet Coverage Before the Ceremony
The red carpet show remains one of the most anticipated parts of Oscars night. Fans enjoy seeing celebrity fashion, interviews with nominees, and early reactions before the awards begin.
Coverage for the 2026 Oscars started hours ahead of the ceremony.
Typical red carpet schedule:
- 3:30 p.m. ET – Early arrival coverage
- 4:00 p.m. ET – Entertainment fashion coverage
- 6:30 p.m. ET – Official Oscars red carpet broadcast
- 7:00 p.m. ET – Main ceremony begins
Red carpet segments aired across multiple platforms, including television broadcasts and digital streaming channels.
What the Oscars 2026 Celebrated
The Academy Awards recognize achievements across the film industry. The 2026 ceremony honored movies released during the 2025 calendar year.
Awards were presented in 24 major categories, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Cinematography
- Best Visual Effects
The ceremony highlighted the creativity and technical skill involved in filmmaking while celebrating the artists who shaped the year in cinema.
Why Millions Still Watch the Oscars Live
Even as streaming platforms reshape entertainment viewing habits, the Academy Awards continue to attract massive audiences worldwide.
Several reasons explain the ceremony’s enduring popularity:
1. Prestige of the awards
Winning an Oscar represents the highest recognition in filmmaking.
2. Star-studded lineup
Top actors, directors, and producers gather in one place for the event.
3. Historic moments
Unexpected wins and emotional speeches often become viral moments.
4. Global cultural impact
The ceremony sparks conversations across social media and entertainment news.
Because of these factors, many fans prefer to watch the event live rather than catching highlights afterward.
Watching the Oscars After the Live Broadcast
If viewers missed the live ceremony, several platforms provided ways to catch the highlights later.
Common post-broadcast options included:
- On-demand replay availability on Hulu
- Official clips from ABC platforms
- Viral acceptance speeches shared on social media
These clips allowed audiences to revisit the biggest moments of the night.
Quick Overview: Oscars 2026 Where to Watch
For viewers in the United States, here is a simple breakdown of where the ceremony was available.
| Platform | Viewing Type |
|---|---|
| ABC | Live television broadcast |
| Hulu | Live streaming |
| ABC App / Website | Streaming with TV login |
| YouTube TV | Live TV streaming |
| FuboTV | Live TV streaming |
| DIRECTV Stream | Live TV streaming |
| Sling TV | Streaming in select markets |
These viewing options ensured that audiences could watch the event whether they relied on traditional cable or modern streaming services.
The Oscars continue to stand as one of the biggest nights in entertainment, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and movie fans from around the world to celebrate the art of cinema.
Did you watch the ceremony live, or did you catch the highlights later? Share your thoughts and favorite moments from Oscars 2026 in the comments.