Oscars 2026 refers to the 98th Academy Awards ceremony, broadcast live on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The show begins at 7 p.m. EDT / 4 p.m. PDT / 11 p.m. GMT, and for the first time, it streams live on Hulu — a genuine shift in how American audiences can catch the ceremony without a traditional cable subscription.
Where to Watch Oscars 2026 for Free
The simplest free option is ABC over-the-air broadcast, which costs nothing if you have an antenna and a compatible television. You can also log in to the ABC website or app using an existing cable or satellite provider credential. No tricks, no trials — just the channel you already pay for.
If you have cut the cord entirely, free trials are your best lever. YouTubeTV offers the longest trial at 21 days for new subscribers, after which it costs $82.99 per month and carries more than 100 channels. FuboTV runs a 7-day free trial, with a discounted first month at $53.99 before rising to $86.99 per month — and its base package includes over 200 channels. DirecTV Stream offers a 5-day free trial, then $89.99 per month. Hulu + Live TV gives you 3 days free, then $89.99 per month. All four services carry ABC, meaning all four will broadcast the Oscars live.
Oscars 2026 Streaming on Hulu: What Is New This Year
The headline change for Oscars 2026 is that the ceremony streams live on Hulu for the first time. That matters because Hulu has a far broader subscriber base than any of the dedicated live-TV bundles, and it lowers the barrier for casual viewers who already have the service. Previous ceremonies required a live-TV add-on or a cable login — this year, the path is shorter.
The new start time of 7 p.m. EDT is also worth noting for scheduling purposes. International viewers should check local listings, as the Academy confirms the ceremony is available across more than 200 territories worldwide, with broadcast partners varying by region.
Which Streaming Service Is Best for Watching Oscars 2026?
If you only want to watch the Oscars and nothing else, YouTubeTV’s 21-day free trial is the most generous offer — the ceremony is one night, and you would have three weeks to cancel before being charged $82.99 per month. FuboTV’s 7-day window is tighter but still comfortable if you sign up close to March 15, and its first-month discount makes it the cheapest paid option if you decide to keep the service. DirecTV Stream’s 5-day trial cuts it fine — sign up no earlier than March 10 to stay within the free window.
Hulu + Live TV’s 3-day trial is the shortest, so timing matters most here. Sign up on March 13 at the latest to catch the ceremony before the trial expires. The advantage is that Hulu’s interface is familiar to millions of existing subscribers, and the transition to a live-TV trial is seamless.
Films Tipped to Win Big at the 98th Academy Awards
Two films are generating the most awards-season attention heading into the ceremony: Sinners and One Battle After Another. Both are expected to feature prominently in the major categories on the night. Beyond those two, the Academy’s official channels — Oscar.com, Oscars.org, and the Oscars accounts on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook — are the most reliable places to track nominee announcements and pre-show updates.
Can I watch the Oscars 2026 outside the US?
Yes. The 98th Academy Awards are available in more than 200 territories worldwide, according to the Academy. Broadcast partners differ by country, so checking local listings is the most reliable approach. The Academy’s official social channels and Oscars.org will carry nominee and schedule information regardless of location.
Is there a genuinely free way to watch Oscars 2026 without a trial?
ABC over-the-air is the only no-strings-attached free option in the United States — an antenna and a television are all you need. Every streaming route involves either a free trial that requires a credit card or an existing paid subscription. If you already have Hulu + Live TV, YouTubeTV, FuboTV, or DirecTV Stream, you are set without any additional cost.
What time does the Oscars 2026 ceremony start?
The 98th Academy Awards begin at 7 p.m. EDT / 4 p.m. PDT on Sunday, March 15, 2026. For international viewers, that translates to 11 p.m. GMT the same night. The ceremony takes place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
The bottom line for Oscars 2026 is straightforward: if you have an antenna, use it. If you do not, YouTubeTV’s 21-day trial is the most forgiving free option, and Hulu’s first-ever live stream of the ceremony gives cord-cutters a genuinely new route to the show. Whichever path you choose, lock in your plan before March 15 — the Dolby Theatre will not wait.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: TechRadar
