The 98th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and for cord-cutters and streaming enthusiasts, there's never been a better time to ditch traditional cable and catch Hollywood's biggest night online. With Conan O'Brien returning as host for the second consecutive year and the ceremony taking place March 15 at the iconic Dolby Theatre, this year's show promises to be unmissable. Here's your complete guide to streaming the Oscars for free, no cable subscription required.
What are your free streaming options?
Here's what makes 2026 particularly exciting for cord-cutters—you've actually got more legitimate free viewing options than ever before, with major broadcasters finally embracing streaming accessibility. The landscape has shifted dramatically from the days when missing cable meant missing the ceremony entirely.
Let's break down your international options first. Multiple streaming platforms offer free access to the Oscars, with each region having expanded their digital offerings significantly. For viewers in Australia, 7Plus provides completely free access to the ceremony. Irish audiences can tune in through RTÉ Player at no cost, while UK residents get free coverage via ITVX streaming service.
The catch you might expect: these streaming platforms are geo-restricted, meaning they're only accessible from specific countries due to complex international broadcasting rights agreements. However, there's a proven workaround that tech-savvy streamers have been using to access global content for years—and the solution has become more reliable and user-friendly than ever.
How VPNs unlock worldwide access
While streaming services implement geographical restrictions to comply with licensing agreements, the rise of VPN technology has fundamentally changed how audiences access live events. Many users access these platforms using VPN services, though availability and legality depend on local laws and platform policies, and the process has become surprisingly straightforward—no advanced technical knowledge required.
ExpressVPN stands out as the top choice for streaming based on several critical factors for live event viewing. The service offers servers across 105 countries and applications compatible with all major devices. Most importantly for the Oscars, ExpressVPN maintains fast connection speeds essential for live streaming and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, perfect for households with multiple viewers on different devices.
The setup involves three simple steps: subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN service, download the appropriate app for your device, then connect to a server in a supported location. Once connected, you simply visit the streaming platform as if you were physically located in that country.
PRO TIP: ExpressVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee essentially lets you test the service risk-free for the Oscars, giving you time to verify streaming quality and decide on a longer-term subscription afterward.
US streaming: Hulu leads the charge
American viewers have a game-changing development this year that represents the streaming revolution finally reaching Hollywood's most traditional ceremony. The Oscars will stream live on Hulu for the first time, marking a historic shift in how major award shows reach audiences. This marks expanded access to live streaming via Hulu, alongside existing live TV streaming services, breaking decades of cable-exclusive tradition.
The beauty of the Hulu option lies in their trial accessibility. Hulu regularly provides free trial periods, allowing new subscribers to watch the ceremony without immediate payment. The setup requires providing a US postal code and payment information during signup, but the trial gives you access to the full ceremony plus their entire content library during the trial period.
For those preferring traditional network coverage, ABC remains the official network partner and offers live streaming through their website with cable login credentials. But here's where cord-cutters get multiple pathways: ABC is available through live TV streaming services including Hulu+ Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, and DirecTV, with each service offering free trials for new subscribers.
This creates multiple entry points to free access, even in the traditionally restrictive US market—a clear sign that the industry recognizes where audiences are heading.
International viewing made simple
Global audiences have numerous legitimate streaming options, with each region offering increasingly user-friendly access methods that don't require jumping through complicated technical hoops.
In the UK, ITV broadcasts the ceremony with free online access through ITVX. Creating an account requires a UK postcode (something like SW1W 0NY works perfectly), and live coverage begins at midnight on March 3. While the timing isn't ideal for European viewers, it's the trade-off for live coverage from the US West Coast.
Irish viewers get particularly convenient access, as the ceremony streams live via RTÉ Player at midnight on March 3. What makes this especially appealing is that the service operates completely free without requiring account creation, making it one of the one of the more accessible options.
German audiences enjoy multiple channels for flexibility that most other regions don't have. ProSieben's streaming platform Joyn offers free live streaming, though account creation is required. Coverage includes red carpet festivities starting at 10:30 PM on March 2, with the main ceremony beginning at 1 AM on March 3. This extended coverage makes it particularly appealing for viewers wanting the full Hollywood experience.
Australian viewers have excellent timing compared to other international options. Seven Network has broadcast rights in Australia, which means you can either watch on Channel 7 or catch the Oscars live stream online for free on 7plus. To stream the show, you'll need to create an account and provide an Australian postcode, and it kicks off at 11:00 a.m. AEDT on Monday, March 3—much more civilized timing than the European late-night options.
Smart timing and technical considerations
Understanding the broadcast schedule prevents missing key moments, because there's nothing more frustrating than tuning in just as they're wrapping up the final award. The ceremony officially begins at 7:00 PM EDT / 4:00 PM PDT / 11:00 PM GMT / 7:00 AM CST, with many streaming services offering red carpet coverage beforehand.
For optimal streaming performance during live coverage, ensure your internet connection meets minimum requirements for HD streaming (typically 5 Mbps for reliable HD quality). Quality VPN services help here: Some VPN services offer high or uncapped bandwidth depending on the plan, preventing those frustrating buffering interruptions during crucial award announcements. Additionally, server IP addresses are regularly updated to maintain fast, reliable access, which means you're less likely to encounter technical issues mid-stream.
Planning your viewing experience becomes easier knowing that the show typically runs around three hours or longer, making it perfect for a Sunday evening viewing experience. Factor in red carpet coverage if that's your preference, and you're looking at roughly three hours of total entertainment.
PRO TIP: Test your streaming setup 24-48 hours before the ceremony using the same platform and VPN server you plan to use. This helps identify and resolve any technical issues before the live event begins.
Making the most of your streaming setup
Bottom line: cord-cutting doesn't mean missing out on major live events like the Oscars. With free streaming available across multiple international platforms and VPN technology making global access possible, you actually have more viewing options and flexibility than traditional cable subscribers.
The key is strategic preparation rather than last-minute scrambling. Whether that means signing up for a Hulu trial, creating accounts on international streaming platforms, or setting up VPN access before March 15, a little advance planning ensures smooth viewing. The risk-free aspect of services like ExpressVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee removes financial uncertainty from testing streaming quality beforehand.
What's particularly significant about this year's options is how they signal a broader industry transformation toward streaming accessibility. The Oscars streaming debut on Hulu in the US represents more than just convenience—it acknowledges that audiences have fundamentally shifted toward on-demand, flexible viewing experiences. This trend extends beyond just the Oscars, suggesting that other major live events will follow suit with expanded streaming options.
Ready to join the millions who'll be streaming Hollywood's biggest night without cable constraints? Start exploring these options now, test your preferred setup, and you'll be all set to watch the stars shine while potentially saving hundreds compared to annual cable subscription costs. The streaming revolution has finally reached the Academy Awards, and the timing couldn't be better for cord-cutting audiences.
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