The Oscars Ceremony: TV, Streaming & International Access
The Oscars remain one of the world’s most-watched celebrations of film, uniting movie lovers, creators, and critics in anticipation for those iconic golden statues. This time, the ceremony unfolds at the legendary Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, boasting decades of Hollywood history and memorable moments. As the industry pivots to more streaming-friendly options, catching the Oscars is easier than ever, regardless of where you tune in from.
ABC once again secures American broadcast rights, meaning you can watch live and free on local ABC stations. New for this year, Hulu is offering the entire awards show—any Hulu subscriber can stream live, no matter their plan. For those who prefer internet TV, Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV all provide live access, with free trial options available for newcomers. If you’re already signed up with a TV provider, you can also stream via ABC.com or the official ABC app. International viewers aren’t left out—the Oscars broadcast spans over 200 countries, with tailored listings ensuring fans worldwide know exactly where to watch.
What Time Do the Oscars Start?
Take note—the show’s start time has shifted! The ceremony now begins an hour earlier than traditional schedules: 7:00pm EDT / 4:00pm PDT / 11:00pm GMT / 7:00am CST. Red carpet coverage, always a spectacle in itself, starts well before the main show. Expect fashion reveals, candid moments, and those essential pre-show interviews with nominees and presenters.
Meet the Host and Presenters: A-List Highlights
After hosting last year’s successful broadcast, Conan O’Brien returns to the stage, promising a sharp, comedic approach that revitalized recent coverage. O’Brien’s quick wit and industry insight have already proven to attract larger-than-usual audiences, and his cameo in ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ adds an insider touch for film buffs. Expect the show’s humor and energy to remain high with his trademark blend of irreverence and Hollywood savvy.
Among the lineup of presenters are some of Tinseltown’s most recognizable faces: Anne Hathaway, Chris Evans, Gwyneth Paltrow, Javier Bardem, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Robert Downey Jr., Maya Rudolph, and Demi Moore, to name just a few. Add to that the tradition of last year’s winners returning to present the four major acting Oscars—Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña will carry on that legacy, presenting to this year’s hopefuls.
Oscars 2026: The Nominees That Shaped a Season
This year has seen standout competition between two undisputed frontrunners: One Battle After Another and Sinners, both racking up nods across the most prestigious categories. Heavyweight titles like Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value are also dominating conversations, each earning multiple nominations ranging from Best Picture to technical crafts. The full list spans major blockbusters and critical darlings, highlighting not just spectacle and star power, but thoughtful storytelling and craft in every genre—from lavish period epics to cutting-edge animation and global documentaries.
Key nominations include:
- Best Picture: ‘One Battle After Another’, ‘Sinners’, ‘Hamnet’, ‘Frankenstein’, ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘F1’, ‘Sentimental Value’, ‘Train Dreams’, ‘The Secret Agent’
- Animated Feature: ‘Arco’, ‘Elio’, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’, ‘Little Amélie or the Character of Rain’
- Documentary Feature: ‘The Alabama Solution’, ‘Come See Me in the Good Light’, ‘Cutting Through Rocks’, ‘Mr Nobody Against Putin’, ‘The Perfect Neighbor’
- Acting Nods: Major categories are hotly contested, with ‘Sinners’, ‘One Battle After Another’, and ‘Hamnet’ each fielding multiple entries. Notably, ‘Bugonia’ and ‘Song Sung Blue’ are dark horse contenders for Best Actress.
- Visual & Technical Excellence: Films like ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’, ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, ‘The Lost Bus’, and ‘The Smashing Machine’ underline Hollywood’s ongoing push for industry-leading visual effects and makeup artistry.
Studio marketing, global themes, and even the inside jokes (such as Conan O’Brien’s own cameo) underscore how the Oscars remain a mirror for culture, creativity, and the competitive excitement of the entertainment world. Whether you’re celebrating the frontrunners or rooting for an underdog, this year’s ceremony promises a festival of stories, innovation, and, above all, the passion that drives cinema forward.
