Where to Watch the Oscars in the United States
To find where to watch the Oscars in the United States, check the official Academy website for the current year’s U.S. broadcaster and streaming app; typically the ceremony appears on one of the major broadcast networks or on a dedicated streaming service with a live simulcast. For most recent editions through 2023–2024, the Academy Awards aired on ABC in English and select Spanish coverage on Univision, with live streaming on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, and the ABC app depending on your subscription. The next sections clarify how to confirm the exact channel and streaming options for any given year, including red carpet and pre-show coverage.
How to Confirm the Current Year’s U.S. Broadcast
Official Academy Sources
The most reliable method is to visit Oscars.org or the Academy’s official social channels, which announce the U.S. broadcaster and any simultaneous streaming partners for that year. The Academy typically names the free over-the-air network and any paid streaming add-ons or limited-time digital platforms during the announcement period, often several months before the ceremony date.
Network and Streaming Announcements
Major networks such as ABC, NBC, or CBS, along with their affiliated streaming apps (ABC app, NBC app, Paramount+, Peacock, etc.), will publicize carriage and simulcast details in press releases. If the Oscars move to a new home, the Academy updates partners and press; checking these channels close to the event ensures you know where to tune in and how to watch with your existing TV provider credentials.
| Year | U.S. TV Network | Live-Streaming Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ABC | Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, ABC app with TV provider | Spanish coverage on Univision |
| 2023 | ABC | Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, ABC app with TV provider | Spanish coverage on Univision |
| 2022 | ABC | Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, ABC app | Spanish coverage on Univision |
| 2019–2021 | ABC | YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream | ABC app requires TV provider login |
Watching the Oscars Outside the United States
International Broadcasters
Outside the U.S., the Oscars are carried by a mix of national public-service channels, premium cable networks, and streaming services that vary by country. Examples include the BBC in the United Kingdom, CTV in Canada, Network 10 in Australia, and selected regional broadcasters in Europe and Asia. Because rights shift by country and year, consult the Academy’s country-specific press releases or local TV listings for the current schedule and any geo-blocks.
Legal Streaming and VPN Guidance
If you are abroad, many U.S.-focused streamers require a domestic IP address; services licensed only for U.S. viewing may block overseas access. Using a reputable VPN can restore access, but you must comply with the streaming service’s terms of service. Alternatively, some international partners offer their own live streams or delayed broadcasts under separate licensing, so check local guides and the official Academy communications for lawful options.
Oscar Coverage Beyond the Main Ceremony
Red Carpet and Pre-Show
Coverage typically begins hours before the ceremony with red carpet arrivals, interviews, and analyst previews. These segments commonly air on the same U.S. broadcast network as the main show and are streamed live on the network app and associated TV Everywhere services. International outlets may also carry red carpet content, so checking local entertainment news or the Academy’s social channels helps you plan when to watch.
Post-Ceremony and Highlights
After the winners are announced, networks air post-show coverage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes features. These programs are usually available on the same broadcaster and its streaming platforms, and often become on-demand via the network’s app or subscription video-on-demand services within hours of airing.
Alternatives and Backup Options
- If your primary streamer lacks the Oscars, compare multiple TV Everywhere bundles; some offer short-term passes or free trials timed to major events.
- Public libraries and community centers sometimes host Oscars viewings, providing free access with a library card.
- For cord-cutters, consider a limited-duration live TV subscription around the ceremony date, then cancel if you prefer not to keep the service.
Key Takeaways
- Check Oscars.org or the Academy’s official social channels for the authoritative U.S. broadcaster each year.
- In recent years, the Oscars have aired on ABC with live streaming on services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo.
- International viewers should consult local listings and be mindful of regional rights and legal streaming options.
- Red carpet, pre-show, and post-show coverage typically follow the same broadcast and streaming patterns as the main ceremony.
By verifying the current-year details through official sources and planning your streaming access in advance, you can reliably watch the Oscars from home or abroad with minimal disruption.