The 97th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and if you're eager to catch all the glitz, glam, and excitement of Hollywood's biggest night without the hassle of cable, we've got you covered!
The Oscars will air live on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by Conan O'Brien for the first time. Here’s everything you need to know about how to stream the event online for free.
When and Where to Watch the 2025 Oscars
The Oscars will be broadcast live on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET. Whether you’re tuning in to watch your favorite films and stars or simply hoping for some unforgettable moments, the Academy Awards will be available for streaming on various platforms. For the first time, the entire ceremony will be available live on Hulu. Plus, since it’s airing on ABC, the show can be streamed on any live TV streaming service that includes ABC in its lineup.
Stream the 2025 Oscars on Hulu
This year marks the first time that the Oscars will be available for live streaming on Hulu, giving cord-cutters a great option to watch the ceremony in real time. New and eligible returning subscribers to Hulu can take advantage of a 30-day free trial, allowing them to watch the Oscars without paying a dime.
- Hulu Subscription Plans:
- Hulu (With Ads): Starts at $9.99 per month. Eligible for a 30-day free trial.
- Hulu (No Ads): Starts at $18.99 per month, but this plan does not include a free trial.
- Hulu + Disney+ Bundle: Starting at $10.99 per month for Hulu, Disney+, and more.
If you’re new to Hulu, this is an easy and cost-effective way to watch the 2025 Academy Awards for free.
Hulu + Live TV: Stream the Oscars Live
For those who prefer a more comprehensive live TV experience, Hulu + Live TV is another great choice. The service offers a 3-day free trial and includes access to ABC along with over 85 other channels such as NBC, CBS, FOX, and ESPN. Hulu + Live TV also bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ in its packages, making it an excellent all-in-one streaming service.
After the free trial, subscriptions start at $82.99 per month. You can cancel anytime, so there’s no long-term commitment.
Other Streaming Services to Watch the Oscars
If Hulu isn't your streaming platform of choice, there are several other options for watching the 97th Academy Awards.
Sling TV
Sling offers a discounted first month for new customers, so you can catch the Oscars for half off with the Sling Blue plan. With Sling’s Blue package starting at $25.50 for the first month (regularly $50.99), this is an affordable way to stream ABC live.
Sling also offers other plans, including the Orange plan and the Orange + Blue bundle, with prices starting at $23 for the first month.
FuboTV
FuboTV gives you a 7-day free trial, allowing you to watch the Oscars without any cost. The service carries ABC along with over 200 other channels across news, entertainment, and sports. New customers can enjoy the first month for $59.99 before the price jumps to $79.99 per month. FuboTV is a great option if you're looking for sports, entertainment, and news all in one platform.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers a 5-day free trial, giving you access to ABC and other major networks like CNN, NBC, and Fox. The service's plans start at $86.98 per month for the first two months, which includes channels like ABC, ESPN, and more. If you're willing to commit after the free trial, DirecTV Stream is a solid choice for a wide variety of content.
Watch the Oscars Red Carpet Coverage
If you’re a fan of the red carpet glam and celebrity interviews leading up to the main event, you can also stream the pre-show coverage. Both ABC and E! will be broadcasting red carpet events on the day of the Oscars.
- ABC's Red Carpet Coverage: Starts at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET with their On the Red Carpet special.
- E!’s Red Carpet Pre-Show: Kicks off at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET with Live from E!, where hosts and celebrities will dish on the night’s fashion and predictions.
Both of these pre-shows can be streamed via any live TV service that carries E! and ABC, such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream.
How to Watch the Oscars Outside the U.S.
If you're watching from outside the U.S., you'll need a VPN to access your live TV streaming account. ExpressVPN is a reliable option for securely streaming the Oscars from abroad.
Notable Performers and Presenters at the 2025 Oscars
The 2025 Oscars are set to feature incredible live performances from some of today’s biggest stars, including Doja Cat, Lisa from Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye. Additionally, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo from Wicked are set to perform a surprise number, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The show will also have an impressive lineup of presenters, including Halle Berry, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Oprah Winfrey, Ben Stiller, Amy Poehler, and many more.
2025 Oscars: Top Nominees
Leading the nominations for the 2025 Academy Awards is Emilia Pérez, with an impressive 13 nods. Other major contenders include The Brutalist and Wicked, both with 10 nominations each. The Best Picture race is looking fierce, with A Complete Unknown, Conclave, and Anora among the frontrunners. Fans of Dune: Part Two and The Substance are also eagerly awaiting the results.
No matter where you are or what your preferred streaming service is, there’s a way to catch the 2025 Oscars live for free. From Hulu’s 30-day free trial to Sling’s discounted first month, there are several opportunities for cord-cutters to enjoy the star-studded event without paying full price. Whether you're tuning in to see your favorite nominees win or just enjoying the spectacle, the Oscars are one event you won't want to miss.
So grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the magic of the Oscars—Hollywood’s biggest night, now streaming directly to your screen!
